Abingdon United have completed a Houdini-like escape from relegation from Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division.

Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Brimscombe & Thrupp means they can now not be caught by fifth-bottom Holyport, who like Abingdon have also finished their fixtures.

It completed a remarkable turnaround for Abingdon, who were in the bottom four in February, but completed their season with a five-match unbeaten run.

The visitors started the stronger, with Andrew Younie hitting the crossbar, before Anaclet Odhiambo – making a club record 359th first-team appearance – saw his header saved by Steve Sparrow in the home goal.

  •  Sport

Thrupp were denied strong claims for a penalty after Ollie Pitt appeared to be brought down from behind.

At the other end, Jamie Mundy had a shot turned around a post by Sparrow as Abingdon tried to increase their advantage.

And it was from the resulting corner that Abingdon went ahead, Carl Evans heading home Tom Butler’s cross after the flag-kick was laid off to him.

Odhiambo almost doubled the lead, but his lob went over the keeper only to rebound back off the bar and away to safety.

And they were left to rue those missed opportunities when the hosts levelled 15 minutes from time.

Ben Deaking’s cross picked out Ashley Brown, who nodded in from close range.

It could have been worse for Abingdon, but goalkeeper Lewis Noice made a super double save late on.

He first kept out a header, before recovering to beat away the follow-up from Johnny Davis, as Abingdon celebrated the great escape.

Relegation-threatened Shrivenham suffered more misery as they were thumped 11-0 at home by Flackwell Heath.

Gavin James led the way for the rampant visitors.

Joey Blunt, Barrcarra Jarra and Dan Burnell each netted doubles, with Dan Rapley sealing the rout.

Fourth-placed Kidlington went down to a 2-0 defeat at Highworth Town.

Dan Drewett scored a brace for the home side.