Two Tom Bath goals were not enough for Exmouth Town, as a late equaliser saw them draw 2-2 with Cinderford Town at the Causeways. 

The hosts took the lead in the first half after an unfortunate Joe Belsten own goal, before a Bath brace put them ahead, before a late leveller from Ismail Yakubu saw both sides share the spoils.

It took a while for the game to get going, with the hosts having the first big chance of the game, as a first time pass from Joe Keeping caught Exmouth sleeping, and allowed Alex Bonthron through on goal, with Frankie Phillips making an important save.

Town would respond, as they found space on the right-hand side which saw Ben Griffith given an opportunity to open the scoring, but Lewis Adams was level to his strike.

Cinderford, who are looking to make a great escape just like Town did last season, went ahead after a clearance found its way to Marley Thomas, who crossed into the box, and Belsten’s attempts to stop Bonthron saw the ball divert past Phillips and into the back of the net.

The Foresters tails were up, and they should have made it two moments later, as Thomas was played through on goal, but blazed his effort over the bar.

This would be a regret for the hosts, who were pegged back before half time, as Belsten played it to Bath, and as it looked like Yakubu had dealt with it, the ball rebounded perfectly for the striker, who duly slotted past Lewis Adams.

Cinderford would start the second half the better side, with Noah Coates and Jake White coming close from long range, although both efforts were off target.

The game would enter a lull similar to the first half, but that was ended when Josh Cann drifted into the box after a cross attempt, and the ball fell to the full-back who was denied brilliantly by Adams.

Exmouth were starting to gain a foothold in the game, with Isaac McCue coming on and instantly having a one-on-one chance which was once again saved by the goalkeeper.

Town’s domination would lead to them going ahead, as a Belsten cross was perfect for the run of Bath, whose first time shot nestled into the back of the net.

Cinderford would keep coming forward, and would get the point they deserved with four minutes to go, as a Dale Evans free-kick was met by Yakubu, and his floated header found the back of the net.

Town would have one more chance through McCue, but he couldn’t get the beating of Adams, who jumped on the ball after a nervy goalmouth scramble.

It was a fair albeit disappointing point for Exmouth, who will want to get back to winning ways at the Complete Infrastructure Stadium next Saturday, against Bristol Manor Farm.

LINE-UP: Phillips, Belsten, Cann, Landricombe, Morison, Knowles, Slater (Shipton, 59), L.Steer, Griffith (McCue, 73), Swann (Thorne, 73), Bath.

SUBS NOT USED: High, Rowe.