EVESHAM United threw away a three goal lead and ended up drawing 3-3 at struggling Yate Town in the Dr Martens Western Division.

Three goals ahead with only 13 minutes remaining, it looked as though new boss David Busst was going to get off to winning start.

However, a three-goal burst in eight minutes transformed the game and United were glad to hang on for a point.

The early action took place in the United half. Dave Elsey stroked a free kick just wide and Matt Rawlins shot tamely into the arms of Damien Beattie.

Sean Flynn had a header disallowed for offside before on 40 minutes Marc Burrow was pushed in the area by Phil Ward and Nathan Jukes converted the resulting penalty.

Simon Marsh rounded Yate 'keeper Tony Court immediately after the re-start only to see his shot blocked on the line by Darren Hobbs but then two quick goals looked to have put United on the road to victory.

A Jukes free kick was flicked on by Flynn and Marsh came powering in to head past Court.

Three minutes later, debutant Craig Pountney played a throw-in from Andy Smith back into the path of the full back and he crossed to Flynn who netted with a well directed header.

It appeared only a consolation when substitute Tom Collett bundled the ball home on 77 minutes. But two minutes later, Collett was again in the right place to tuck away Andy Neal's cross.

With five minutes left Yate completed a remarkable comeback. Beattie saved well from Rawlins but referee Mr Cook ruled that the ball had crossed the line.

There was still time for both sides to snatch the win. Rawlins blazed over and then Court could only stand and watch as Jukes drove just wide.

Evesham: Beattie 7, H Smith 8, Sage 6, Powell 6, Bailey 7, Jukes 6, Flynn 6, Burrow 6, Marsh 7 (James 81), Oakey 6 (Pountney 30, 6), Pinkney 7. Subs not used: Christie, Nicholls, Van Heerden.

Attendance: 180.