EVESHAM United conceded twice in the final minutes as they threw away a second-half lead to lose 2-1 in dramatic style at Larkhall Athletic on Saturday.

Daniel Griffiths had put The Robins ahead just after the hour-mark as he reacted quickest to Kyle Belmonte's effort coming back off the post.

Larkhall pushed as the game approached the closing stages and they won a penalty with 88 minutes on the clock, that Dawid Regula slotted home to steal what they thought was a late point.

But Regula popped up in stoppage time to win it for the hosts and further dent Evesham's play-off hopes.

The Robins are now five points off Tavistock AFC, who currently occupy the final play-off spot, but they do have a game in hand. 

After the game, manager Mike Ford admitted his side's defending for the winning goal was "abysmal". 

"If we came off the pitch at 88 minutes, we would have said it was a dogged, disciplined, hard-working performance and a thoroughly deserved three points," he said.

"But they get the equaliser and their tails are up then. And then the defending for the winning goal was abysmal.

"It's obviously disappointing. When it's the 88th and 91st minute, it's a real bitter pill to swallow but that's football. We need to learn from these mistakes, we have to learn quicker."

Ford insists his players have the quality to be successful but knows there are some more psychological issues to contend with.

"I have a group of players who I think are good enough each week to win football matches but we are unable to show the knowledge and experience of a team that can win games away from home 1-0," he added.

"We make too many mistakes. Our endeavor can never be questioned but our deicision making certainly can. We have lost a game of football and it's really disappointing."

The task for Evesham does not get any easier in mid-week, as they have a trip to runaway league leaders Sholing.

"We showed lots of good attributes today (Saturday) but we have a chance to cause an upset mid-week," added Ford.

"We have to get our act together and we need to show lots of what we did today but more composure."