Jude Oyibo scored a dramatic late equaliser to earn a deserved point for Spennymoor against title chasing Brackley Town.
The Saints were on course for a third consecutive 1-0 win courtesy of a Lee Ndlovu goal early on, with Glen Taylor being denied from the penalty spot by Danny Lewis on the half hour mark.
Both sides entered the occasion in contrasting form, with second placed Brackley who boasted a phenomenal defensive record aiming to keep pace with leaders Gateshead.
Spennymoor’s play-off push had been hampered in recent weeks with one point from three games against Kidderminster, Telford and AFC Fylde, with other results keeping them in the hunt.
Despite Moors maintaining early possession it was The Saints who took an early lead, with Lee Ndlovu glancing header past Harry Flatters – the striker netting for the third consecutive game.
Taylor stepped up but fired his spot-kick straight down the middle and into the arms of Lewis.
The game was edging towards the half-time whistle when Ndlovu suddenly burst through before feeding Lowe, only for James Curtis to get in a crucial block.
Moors needed a lift after the break and almost discovered an instant reply when Taylor rose highest from a corner, but the impeccable Lewis kept Brackey’s lead intact once again.
Spennymoor lost captain Curtis to injury with new loan signing Tyrese Dyce coming on for his debut.
Moors’ desperation to find a deserved equaliser was now evident as Joe Tait struck an arrowing volley from distance, but Lewis was once again equal to everything Spennymoor threw at him.
Just as hope was seemingly adrift and Moors became resigned to a damaging third straight loss, Lewis’ woeful goal kick was collected by Oyibo.
Joyous scenes around The Brewery Field almost changed to despair in the space of two minutes when James Armson spurned a guilt-edge chance, sealing a point for both sides.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
