EVESHAM United were unable to cut the gap to the play-off places in the Southern League South Division One after being held to a 2-2 draw at Melksham Town.

William Owens' low drive into the bottom corner pulled Evesham level after Melksham's Albert Hopkins had given the play-off hopefuls an early lead. 

Kyle Belmonte's cool finish five minutes after the restart put The Robins ahead but Ralph Graham's equaliser in the 72nd minute of the game denied Evesham what would have been a vital three points in their push for promotion. 

Mike Ford's men remain three points outside the top five with seven games of the regular 2022/23 season left to play.

Melksham started the day just two points off Evesham in a game that both sides could ill-afford to lose in their respective bids to reach the play-offs. 

It was the hosts who took the initiative early on and Hopkins smashed them into the lead with a shot into the roof of the net following a corner. 

But Evesham responded well and Owens' low shot from the edge of the area trickled into the far corner as the visitors brought themselves back level. 

The game was locked at 1-1 heading into the break but any signs of either side settling for a point were quickly eradicated when Belmonte kept his composure to latch onto a through ball, round the keeper and tuck home into the net. 

Evesham were edging to a vital win but Graham's excellent half-volley from a cross beat Edward Brearey to hand Melksham what could prove to be a crucial point. 

Both sides had chances to win it. Will Stead came within inches of finding the winner and Melksham keeper Mac Boyd made a number of impressive saves but in the end the points were shared.