WESTFIELDS missed out on a chance to cut the gap on their title rivals after Loughborough University netted a late leveller to stun Allpay Park.

Aidan Thomas looked to have fired 'Fields to a narrow second half victory over the Students only for Connor Jordan to beat the off-side trap and level with eight minutes remaining.

With league leaders Ilkeston Town suffering a shock 1-0 defeat at Lye Town it was seen as two points dropped in the title race for Westfields.

Phil Glover was in charge of the 'Fields side with manager Andy Bevan and assistant Paul Willetts absent. He said that it felt like two points dropped.

"It was really difficult to take," said manager Glover.

"I think both teams created not a lot if I'm honest and we cancelled each other out a little bit. The conditions played a part as well.

"After going 1-0 up it was difficult to take and was sloppy goal on our behalf. When we were 1-0 up we were comfortable, so it came against the run of play a little bit.

"With the results we have just seen we are deflated in there really with the draw."

Loughborough showed warning signs early on and Ben Last played Dan Collins into the box, but he was denied by a Keiron Blackburn save.

'Fields responded with the ball dropping nicely inside the box to Ben Miller who fired his effort well over.

John Mills was then denied by the Students' goalkeeper after running through on goal.

Mills turned provider before the break crossing to Miller, but he couldn't find the required finish.

Westfields took a 52nd minute lead when Thomas met a Keanu Cooper corner at the near post and flicked home.

Despite Glover's side looking in control of the tie they were almost hit by a sucker punch as Charlie Lewis was left unmarked inside the box but headed at the goalkeeper.

Cooper almost sealed the points after Craig Jones put him through on goal, but he was denied at a narrow angle by the goalkeeper.

The equaliser came eight minutes from time as Connor beat the off-side trap before firing home.

"We will dust ourselves down and go again next Saturday," added Glover.

"We said in the team talk that this league throws in these results every now and again especially in the title run in.

"Looking at the other results other people have dropped points left, right and centre. We are right in the mix so it does feel like an opportunity missed.

"Until it's mathematically certain that we can't then we have to believe that we can as the league just chucks up so many weir results that we have to keep going and do everything we can to be there."

Despite the result Glover said he enjoyed his first match in charge of the side.

He added: "I enjoyed it and have obviously been helping out with Paul Willetts and Andy Bevan as a three all season really.

"To be in charge today was good and I enjoyed it, the only thing missing today was the result really.

"I enjoy that side, I do miss playing, but I enjoy that side and the buzz on a Saturday. The other two are brilliant really and we come as a group.

"They were very much involved with the team selection today and tactics and stuff throughout the week. I'm on the phone to them pretty much every day so I do enjoy it."