EVESHAM United threw away a two-goal lead against Didcot Town in a 2-2 Southern League Division One South and West draw.

United looked to be cruising to victory in their home league opener but in the end only desperate defending enabled Paul Collicutt’s side to collect their first point of 2016-17.

Joe Turley came to United’s rescue with a goal-line clearance in injury-time.

The Robins got their noses in front on 16 minutes.

Didcot player-manager Andy Ballard pulled back Smith and, from Elliot Kennedy’s free-kick, Nick Stanley headed home.

Kennedy, Smith and Paul Fahy were denied before Smith swept home the second goal in the 43rd minute after Lorcan Sheehan’s cross.

Bedwell pushed Kennedy’s drive around the post with Ashley Williams and Smith both glancing headers wide in the second half But on 57 minutes the visitors' Ben Whitehead scored a penalty after Ross Adams clipped George Reid in the box.

Eighteen minutes from time, Sam Barder levelled with a fierce drive.

Debutant keeper Sam Gilder then punched the ball into his own net but an attacker was ruled offside.

Evesham host Wimborne Town on Saturday (3pm) and visit Wantage Town on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Evesham: Gilder, Sheehan, Stanley (B Williams 79), Turley, Adams, Wellon, Kennedy (Pearson 71), A Williams, Smith, Fahy, Binns. Subs not used: Bryan, Brown, Dovey.

Attendance: 240.