Evesham Utd Ladies 3,

Phoenix 3

LEADING 3-0 with just seven minutes remaining, United suffered a severe attack of the jitters as they ended up hanging on for a point.

Evesham took a seventh minute lead when Kayleigh Hateley and Nicky Bond combined to feed the ball to Tori Southern who outpaced the defence and steered the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper.

Goalkeeper Mandy Upton kept her side in front with a fine save before her opposite number saved well from Bond.

The second half started with United well on top and forcing more action from an overworked custodian who was finally beaten 15 minutes from time.

Hateley's splendid pass was met by a first time shot from Bond that found the net and it was 3-0 three minutes later when Hateley played the ball through for Southern to run on and slip past the keeper.

If the home side thought that was game over they were in for a late shock as the visitors came storming back.

After a five-minute spell of inspired goalkeeping when Upton made three superb saves, Phoenix pulled a goal back seven minutes from time.

Two minutes later, it was 3-2 when play was allowed to continue when Danielle Hemming appeared to be fouled.

The action then switched to the other end and Hateley almost made the points safe but her shot just cleared the crossbar.

Upton produced two more fine saves but she was helpless in the third minute of stoppage time when Phoenix levelled.

There was still a further three minutes of stoppage time to negotiate before the referee ended the contest and spared the home side any further embarrassment.

United are at home to Droitwich Spa in the first round of the Worcest-ershire/Herefordshire FA. County Cup on Sunday (2pm).