DIDCOT Town had not managed a league victory since being stunned 5-3 at AFC Totton’s Testwood Stadium on January 6.

And when the final whistle blew in Saturday’s Southern One South & West rematch in Oxfordshire, nothing had changed.

While the Railwaymen – now seven games without a win - felt a tad hard done by not to exact revenge, Totton boss Steve Riley applauded his side for coming away with a hard-fought 2-2 draw, making it 16 points gleaned from a possible 21 in 2015.

The Stags were indebted to some fine saves from goalkeeper Steve Mowthorpe for restricting Didcot to just a one-goal half-time lead – Matty Woodley finally breaking the deadlock in the 45th minute by sweeping home Sam Elkins’ cross.

Zac Mouland played in Nathaniel Sherborne to level matters in the 56th minute, beating keeper James Foster at his near post, and 15 minutes later the Stags stole the lead with what Riley termed “a goal out of nothing” as Craig Feeney again foiled Foster with a fine finish from an acute angle.

Didcot kept pressing, however, and former Saints academy goalkeeper Mowthorpe was again pressed into action, pulling off one particularly impressive save to deny John Mills.

But the pressure eventually told as the Railwaymen hit back with nine minutes remaining, Andy Ballard netting a free header from Pablo Haysham’s corner.

That set up a hectic finale which could have gone either way. Mills remained dangerous for Didcot, while Totton created a couple of late chances for Sherborne and Billy Lowes.

“It was quite a frantic match and Didcot created the better chances in the first half on a sticky pitch, but there wasn’t much between the teams” said Riley, whose side are ninth, two points and two places behind the Railwaymen.

“Steve Mowthorpe’s made some some good saves and defensively we were solid today, although I was a bit disappointed to give them a free header from a corner.

“Our work-rate was phenomenal again and the officials did well too in what was a hard-fought but fair match.

“Any point is a good point away from home, particularly coming on the back of the defeat at Larkhall last week.”

Totton’s only injury concern was on-loan Gosport winger Mike Gosney bowing out with a back spasm early in the second half.

But Riley said: “Hopefully it’s only short-term and he’ll be OK for the home match against Shortwood United on Saturday.”