863 spectators saw the top two battle it out in the Ryman Division One clash of the day, with Vinnie John's late equaliser for Stortford salvaging a point.

Favourites for promotion, Aylesbury met a confident and resurgent Bishop's Stortford side in a game billed as a potential championship decider.

And it was the hosts who came out with all guns firing, racing into a two-goal lead when Chris Bangura got the better of Ray Taylor to round Mickey Desborough and slot home.

That was on 17 minutes, and 14 minutes after it was two as Rob Paris headed in.

The Essex side clawed their way back into this clash four minutes later, as hesitancy in the home defence allowed Trevor Paul time to chip Adam Wheeler and reduce the arrears.

And within minutes this pulsating clash was all square, as Freddie Hyatt's curling free-kick beat Wheeler all ends up to even the game up at 2-2.

John went close for the visitors on 69 minutes as fans braced themselves for a dramatic finale.

That seemed to have come when the Ducks went back in front when Greg Williams ran unchallenged to pick his spot past Desborough.

And as it seemed Aylesbury would hold on for a crucial three points in their quest for promotion, there was still one twist to come. Hyatt played in John, who stabbed the ball past Wheeler three minutes into injury time for a dramatic share of the spoils.

Published Sunday, March 3, 2002