IT was a case of chances missed at Ruskin Drive as St Helens Town were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by bottom-of-the-table Nelson.

Town had battled from behind to lead with time running out, but a late equaliser denied them the chance to pull clear of the North West Counties Division One relegation zone.

They remain 20th, one place and two points above the drop zone, ahead of a trip to Holker Old Boys on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

St Helens began slowly and duly fell behind just after the half-hour mark.

After the visitors won a free kick just outside the Town penalty area, Chris Turner stepped up and he fired a shot underneath the jumping wall, leaving debutant keeper Carl Williams helpless to keep it out.

The goal seemed to stun St Helens into life and they hit the woodwork twice before the interval.

Skipper Danny Lomax rose highest to connect with a header but saw the ball crash off the post, while Luke Edwards’ superb cross found Liam Diggle, but his headed effort hit the crossbar.

Shortly after the break, however, Town did pull level as Edwards burst through on goal and his powerful effort was too strong for Nelson keeper Marcel Wusiewicz.

Diggle then had another great chance when he was one-on-one with Wusiewicz, but the keeper prevailed again.

St Helens continued to push and they finally got their reward on 72 minutes.

Edwards sent a long free kick into the area and Andy Presho rose highest to head Town into the lead.

The hosts had further chances to increase their lead, with Shaun Brady blasting high and wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Still, it looked as though they would hold on, but they were made to pay for their profligacy in familiar circumstances.

Turner blasted another low free kick under the wall and past Williams to rescue a point for his side.