BOURNEMOUTH academy talent Jordan Murray was part of a thrilling final 20 minutes at the Save On Tyres Stadium on Saturday as Highworth Town drew 2-2 with AFC Totton in a Southern League Division One classic.

Murray was brought on by Worthians’ joint managers John Fisher and Ross Adams with 66 minutes played.

Town trailed by a goal to nil at that point after Totton’s Silvano Obeng – who eventually bagged himself a brace – put the visitors ahead with 40 minutes on the clock.

Dan Drewett equalised for Highworth 20 minutes from time after benefitting from Aaron Maximen’s quick free kick before Edjidja Mbunga sparked scenes of jubilation amongst the home faithful when putting Town a goal to the better six minutes afterwards.

Those scenes were rather dampened when Totton’s Obeng grabbed the visitors an 83rd minute equaliser.

Nonetheless, Worthians’ co-boss Adams was encouraged by the improved attacking performance his players delivered.

He said: “It’s as well as we have played over 90 minutes as a team, so I’m pleased with the performance.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed to come so close to getting three points but then not quite get over the line.

“We were 50 per cent better in that final third compared to games in previous weeks. We created a number of chances throughout the game, and how we came in a goal down at half time I’ll never know – we could’ve scored three or four.

“Luckily, we rectified that in the second half and took the two chances we created. It was pleasing for me to see the team create those chances, and I highlighted that to the squad after the game.”

Adams will perhaps be thankful to see the back of Totton after they managed to pick up only a point from their two meetings against the Hampshire club in recent weeks.

Worthians’ co-boss was pleased by his side’s improved defensive performance too as they nullified the attacking threat Saturday’s visitors possessed.

He added: “It was a game between two evenly matched teams, I don’t think there is a lot between us and them.

“Totton are good at what they do. They’re a direct team and look for the lads up front – one of them has a lot of pace.

“So, we knew what to expect ahead of kick off and we dealt with that threat relatively well.”