KINGTON were denied a seventh league victory in their search for league safety by a last gasp equaliser.

Sam Bowen's much improved side were were heading to a 3-2 win against promotion chasing Darlaston Town until Tyrone Clarke-O'Connell scored with two minutes remaining to rescue a point for his side.

Goals from Jake Robinson and Ryan Nicholls helped Kington come from 2-1 behind to take the lead against the fifth placed side until the late equaliser dashed Bowen's sides hopes.

"We were the best side and had the best chances," said Bowen.

"Darlaston are up amongst it in the league so we did alright. We lost to Old Wulfrunians due to a late goal and this week in the 88th minute so we know that the players are getting there and they are good enough to compete but they need to believe it as well."

It was Bowen's side who took a 14th minute lead when Jamie Davies fired home from a Robinson left wing cross.

Davies had two chances to extend his side's lead before Darlaston responded on 21 minutes when Lucas Hough was found unmarked at the back post to head his side level.

In an action packed first half 1874 took a 36th minute lead after the host's goalkeeper Bryan Kirkham saved Scott Broadway's initial effort only for Leon Taylor to net the rebound.

They led for just two minutes when Jamie Morris right footed shot was saved by the goalkeeper and Robinson was quickest to react.

As the second half wore on Kington increased the pressure and went back ahead after 62 minutes with Nicholls heading home what looked to be the winner.

The hosts control the game until the 88th minute when a defensive clearance fell to Clarke-O'Connell who squeezed home from a tight angle.

After taking over the reigns of relegation threatened Kington in November, Bowen, who is assisted by Gareth Jones, is confident that three wins from their remaining seven games will secure their place in the West Midlands Division One next season.

"We are starting to become a side who are stubborn, awkward and with more conviction," added Bowen.

"We have changed things around and are coming on quietly and far better than when we took them on. We have almost achieved our target of safety and are two or three wins away."