Mike Duerden scored a spectacular equaliser as Kidlington fought back for a 1-1 draw against Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division strugglers Abingdon United at a windy Northcourt Road on Saturday.

In the only game to survive the wet weather in the entire league programme, it was Kidlington who started the stronger.

And only a goalline clearance from Adam Gardner prevented Lewis Brownhill from scoring after his low shot beat Chris Rackley in the Abingdon goal.

The home side took advantage of their lucky escape and took the lead on 25 minutes. Graham Edney broke through before beating Matt Hyslop with a shot from an acute angle.

But the hosts’ joy was short-lived as four minutes later, Kidlington levelled.

Abingdon failed to close down Mike Duerden, who turned his man before letting fly with a curling shot into the top corner from 25 yards past a stunned Rackley.

Early in the second half, Edney was put through on goal, only for Hyslop to deny him with a great flying save.

The keeper then tipped a John Dent effort over the bar.

At the other end, Rackley made a super stop with his legs from Tommy Castle.

Kidlington turned up the heat in search of a winner, but Abingdon held on with little difficulty.