EVESHAM United’s play-off bid suffered a blow when Bideford hit back to draw 2-2 at the Jubilee Stadium.

The Robins are ninth in BetVictor Southern League Division One South and level on points with Cinderford Town having played two more games.

The hosts will be kicking themselves for throwing away a 2-0 lead given to them by Lee Chilton after 52 minutes and Jamie Lucas on 65.

Charlie Lawrence pulled one back in the 80th minute and then Toby Down grabbed the Devonians a point four minutes into stoppage time.

Evesham started strongly with plenty of pressure and Chilton was denied an early header by the offside flag.

Keeper Liam Kingston saved well from Lucas as Bidford weathered the storm and then threatened to open the scoring on 36 minutes.

But Robins keeper Lochlan Robertson saved well from Lawrence.

Evesham opened the second half on top again and this time they capitalised.

Chilton scored with a shot from an acute angle after a breakaway run from Paul Sullivan before Lucas added the second from inside the box following a scramble.

But Bideford would not throw in the towel and Theo Simpson supplied Lawrence with the chance to put the visitors firmly back in the contest.

Robertson pulled off another save from Simpson but could not stop Bideford from levelling when Down nodded in a corner with seconds left to stretch their unbeaten run to five league games.

The promising Harry Franklin started again for the Robins, who have not lost in four league fixtures, after signing on contract terms.

Versatile midfielder or defender Franklin, 20, has impressed since joining from county rivals Redditch United last October.

Henry McMahon was on the bench for Evesham after signing first-team papers for the club on progressing through the junior ranks along with Will Holland.

Evesham visit Wiltshire side Highworth Town, who are three places and eight points behind, in the league on Saturday (3pm).

Evesham: Robertson, Roberts, Page, Paddock, Maslen-Jones, Chamberlain, Franklin, Bragoli, Sullivan, Chilton (Tonge), Lucas (Dodd). Subs not used: Smikle, Staten, McMahon.

Attendance: 195.