Leam Howards scored a late goal as Banbury battled back for a 2-2 draw at Bideford Town in Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division on Saturday.

Trailing 2-1 and with time running out, it looked as though Paul Davis’s side would return from Devon empty-handed, but up popped substitute Howards to grab a point.

The result saw Banbury move to within five points of safety.

Both sides struggled to get any attacks going in a forgettable first half, but it was Banbury who went ahead on the half-hour mark, with a touch of quality.

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Aidan Hawtin whipped in a low cross which was knocked home from close range by Adeyinka Talabi for his third goal in three games.

The expected Bideford charge never came, with Leigh Bedwell untroubled in the Banbury goal.

After the break, Bideford came more into the contest, with Bedwell making a brilliant save on 53 minutes from Ben Wood.

Bideford kept up the pressure and it was no surprise when they levelled.

Bedwell could only parry a shot and when the ball was played back in by Sean Downing, Kevin Squire, who headed in his cross.

Less than 60 seconds later, Bideford went ahead when Craig Veal fired home from 12 yards after Banbury failed to clear their lines.

Banbury charged forward in search of an equaliser and five minutes from time, Luke Cray’s pass found Howards, who beat Fisher from ten yards to earn a point.

Banbury Utd: Bedwell, Cray, Martin, Hartigan, (Tappin 83), Fishwick, Westbrook, Whitehead, Hawtin, Talabi (Howards 73), Walcott, Green. Subs (not used): Mzungwana, White.

Attendance: 152.

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