BANBURY United were denied a notable victory away to leaders Kings Lynn by an injury-time equaliser.

Toby Hilliard’s late strike meant that the Puritans had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their dramatic Premier Division encounter.

The visitors, whose only change saw Jordy Ngathe come in for the injured Tom Bradbury, came under pressure early on.

Dion Frary and Simon Lapin shot just wide for Lynn, before Craig Parker, at the far post, headed against the crossbar.

Banbury defended well to stay on level terms at the break and had more of the play in the second half.

However, in the 57th minute they were indebted to goalkeeper Jack Harding for keeping them on level terms by smothering the ball at the feet of Liam Mettam as he broke through.

On the hour, a Ryan Hawkins shot was cleared off the Banbury line by Charlie Hawtin.

The striker was then denied by Harding, when he tried a shot from the edge of the Banbury penalty area.

In the 74th minute, Mike Ford’s men shocked the home fans by taking the lead.

Leam Howards released Jack Self, who calmly fired past Alex Street in the Linnets goal from 12 yards.

Harding then made a diving save to tip Michael Gash’s free-kick away for a corner.

But Banbury could not hold on, as in the third minute of stoppage time Mettam set up Hilliard, who fired home from ten yards to earn a point.

Banbury Utd: Harding, Hawtin, Ngathe, Nash, Wise, Carnell, Self, Pond, Johnson,Sandy (Howards 65), Humphreys (Winters HT). Subs not used: Awadh, Heapy.

Attendance: 1,042.