STRATFORD Town were denied a Boxing Day victory against Warwickshire rivals Leamington after conceding six minutes into injury time in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
The Bards thought they had claimed the local bragging rights through Devonn O’Sullivan’s superb 94th minute strike only for Cally Stewart to level for the visitors with virtually the last kick of the game.
That came after Stewart had initially drawn the Brakes level in the final minute of regulation time following Callum Ebanks’ first-half opener in front of more than 1,000 spectators at the Arden Garages Stadium.
The result means Stratford sit eighth in the Southern League Premier Central table, three points outside of the play-off places.
Stratford took the lead on 37 minutes when Ebanks sent a bullet header past Brakes goalkeeper Callum Hawkins from Dan Lafferty’s cross.
However, with the Bards on course for victory, Stewart stabbed home from close range in the 90th minute after Stratford failed to deal with substitute Dom Brown-Hill’s high ball into the penalty area.
There was still time for the home side to reclaim the lead four minutes later as Bards substitute O’Sullivan rifled a shot into the bottom corner to spark wild injury time celebrations.
However, in a remarkable late twist, Stewart scored his second goal on 96 minutes from Josh Quaynor’s pass to draw the Brakes level with virtually the last kick of the game.
Stratford are next in action at home to Stamford on Saturday, January 6 with kick-off at 3pm at the Arden Garages Stadium.
