Callum Cocks opened the scoring in the fifth minute, the midfielder scoring his first goal of the season to put Long Eaton ahead. However, in the 32nd minute Blues goalkeeper Lewis King was shown a red card for a sliding challenge on Trey Charles outside of his area and United were reduced to ten-men.

Despite being at a numerical disadvantage The Blues continued to lead the match deep into the second-half, until a penalty was awarded to the visitors that Charles calmly converted past stand-in goalkeeper Owen Betts to level the match.

The result saw Long Eaton remain one place outside of the playoffs in sixth place, while Rugby Town dropped into the relegation zone on goals scored.

Brad Munn made just one change to his side ahead of the match as James Taylor returned to the starting lineup from his suspension.

United started the match strong and wasted no time in making their initial chances count.

Cocks put The Blues ahead after just five minutes played. Ryan Campbell-Gordon burst forward from defence and dribbled to the byline where he cut the ball back across goal where Cocks converted from close-range.

The visitors searched for an immediate reply. Their top goalscorer Trey Charles beat the offside trap and attempted to lob goalkeeper King but it was a routine claim for The Blues number one.

At the other end of the field, Long Eaton continued to dominate possession of the ball and looked to extend their advantage.

Another cross from Campbell-Gordon found its way to Owen Betts at the far post but experienced shot stopper Paul Hathaway was able to block the effort behind at his near post.

As the first-half came to a close, Charles used his pace to beat United’s high defensive line once again — King rushed out of goal but mistimed his sliding challenge, an error which resulted in a straight red card for The Blues keeper.

While Long Eaton headed into half-time a goal to the good, Rugby Town had the numerical advantage on their side at the start of the second-half.

Rugby Town picked up from where they left off after the restart but still could not seem to trouble Betts in the Long Eaton goal.

Ayo Lekuti fizzed the ball across the face of the United goal but Harrison Nee could not reach the attempted cross at the far post.

Cocks almost doubled his tally for the afternoon in spectacular fashion as the second-half progressed, the midfielder's effort from distance rattled the underside of the crossbar and somehow stayed out.

Several half chances came and went for The Blues to extend their advantage but an alleged foul on Dan Summerfield in the Long Eaton United box saw the referee point to the spot late on. Charles tucked the penalty away to equalise for The Valley in the 89th minute with his 14th goal of the season.