INJURY-hit Evesham United were seconds away from holding Zamaretto League Premier Division leaders Farnborough to a draw before succumbing to a stoppage-time winner from striker Dean McDonald.

Farnborough went into the game unbeaten, while Evesham were searching for their first home win of the season.

The visitors’ front pairing of McDonald and Kezie Ibe were a handful for the Evesham defence.

Twice McDonald got in good positions and Ibe blazed over after good work by the impressive McDonald.

The home defence finally cracked in the 41st-minute.

Daryl McMahon’s corner was deflected onto the crossbar leaving Stephen Robinson the simple task to head in from a yard.

Evesham started the second-half the brighter and had penalty appeals turned down when Jermaine Clarke appeared to be held back by Jack King.

In Evesham’s next attack, Danny Lennon squandered a fine chance to level, prodding Simon Fitter’s cross agonisingly wide.

The Robins pressure paid off with 15 minutes to go. Clarke got to the by-line and pulled back to substitute James Cooper who lashed the equaliser past keeper Nicky Morgan.

Paul West’s men looked to be heading for a share of the spoils until McDonald popped up with a last-gasp winner.

In a frantic last few seconds, United’s Leon Woodley was sent off for dangerous play.

Evesham: Vaughan, Watson, Hyde, Hodnett, Luckett, Lutz, Fitter, Thomas (Woodley 84), Lennon, Clarke (Ager 79), Cole (Cooper 58). Subs not used: Gould, Adey.

Attendance: 173.