MATTHEW Hall's goal 15 minutes from time was enough to keep Evesham United in an automatic promotion spot after a 1-1 draw at Ashford Town.

For long spells of the Southern League Division One West game, Evesham were in control but rarely tested Tony Wells in the Tangerines' goal.

There was little to excite the crowd until Ashford opened the scoring after 36 minutes.

Jacob Mingle was fouled just outside the box and Ryan Lake's free-kick flat-footed Tim Clarke with a cruel deflection.

Richard Ball headed over in the second-half after good work by substitute Danny Williams before Evesham equalised with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining.

Hall collected a pass from Leon Blake (pictured left) out on the right and breezed past a couple of defenders before firing into the roof of the net.

Ball went close to winning it at the death but, after rounding Wells, he rolled the ball agonisingly wide from a narrow angle.

Evesham have the chance to close on leaders Mangotsfield United tomorrow night when they visit lowly Cinderford Town.

Evesham: T Clarke 6, Watson 6, O'Sullivan 6, Hamilton 7 (Fitter 73), Hands 7, O'Toole 6, Hall 6, Duncan 6, Ball 7, *J Clarke 8 (D Williams 62, 7), Blake 6. Subs not used: Pinkney, S Williams, Lewis.

Attendance: 112.