CINDERFORD Town were left frustrated after surrendering a two-goal advantage in Saturday’s Hellenic League Premier Division clash with Cribbs, eventually settling for a 2-2 draw at The Causeway.

Goals from Jack Watts and Joau Silva appeared to have secured another valuable victory, only for substitute Buster Reed to strike twice in the closing stages and rescue a point for the visitors.

The result kept Cinderford second in the table, although they missed an opportunity to strengthen their position before a run of cup fixtures interrupts their league campaign.

Town began brightly, with Harry Leeson causing problems for the Cribbs defence. Watts also threatened early on, sending an effort narrowly over the crossbar as the hosts looked to make their pressure count.

The breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute when Watts finished a well-worked free-kick routine to give Cinderford the lead.

Cribbs forward Harvey Conroy and Cinderford’s Beau Bird both received yellow cards before the interval.

Cinderford carried their attacking momentum into the second half and doubled their advantage four minutes after the restart.

Silva produced an impressive finish into the top corner to make it 2-0, leaving the hosts seemingly heading towards all three points.

Further opportunities followed, with Leeson going close from distance as Cinderford searched for a third goal.

However, Cribbs remained within touching distance and launched a dramatic comeback as the match entered its closing stages.

Reed reduced the deficit in the 84th minute, volleying home after goalkeeper Jude Franks had saved the initial attempt.

Then, in the 90th minute, Reed converted from the penalty spot to complete his double and leave the home supporters stunned.

The late turnaround brought an abrupt end to an otherwise encouraging afternoon.

The draw was Cinderford’s fifth at The Causeway this season and represented a disappointing outcome given their commanding position for much of the afternoon.

Reflecting on the collapse, the Cinderford manager said: “Really difficult one to take this weekend, we were in complete control of the game of football and we imploded in the last 5 minutes to allow them back in the game.”

He questioned the late penalty decision but acknowledged that his side’s organisation and decision-making had deteriorated.

Captain Watts echoed those frustrations, admitting the players had fallen below their standards during the closing stages.

“A very poor 10 minutes from all of us still on that pitch. It hurt us as a squad and we know we let ourselves along with management and supporters down,” he said.

However, Watts insisted the setback would not undermine confidence following an impressive start to the campaign.

“We’ve had a great run. Being unbeaten in 7 with wins against some good teams in amongst it. The spirit and morale within the changing room is still as high as ever.”

Cinderford now face four consecutive cup matches before returning to league action against Corsham Town at The Causeway on November 14.

With leaders Roman Glass St George ten points clear, Town will be determined to respond positively when league football resumes.