Joe Sadler’s 95th-minute penalty rescued a point for Worthing United as they held Southern Combination Division 1 leaders Infinity to a dramatic draw at the Robert Albon Memorial Ground.

United had struck the post from the spot early on and looked set to pay for that missed opportunity after Zach Willett’s overhead kick gave the visitors a first-half lead.

But with Willett dismissed in stoppage time, there was one final twist as Sadler stepped up to earn the hosts a share of the spoils.

Back on home soil following their midweek Sussex Senior Cup exit at Bognor Regis Town, United faced another stern test.

Infinity on the ball against Worthing United | Picture: Charlie Bone

placeholder image — Infinity on the ball against Worthing United | Picture: Charlie Bone

Infinity arrived with just one league defeat all season, while the hosts were looking to build on their own position towards the top of the table.

United could hardly have asked for a better opportunity to make an early breakthrough. Inside five minutes, the referee pointed to the spot for handball, but the resulting penalty struck the post and bounced clear.

There was little to separate the sides after that, until Infinity broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute. A short-corner routine led to a deflection in the box, and Willett produced an overhead kick to put the visitors ahead.

On a sunny but blustery autumn afternoon, that moment proved the difference at the break, leaving United with work to do.

Substitute Sadler had a good chance to bring the hosts level after the restart. Having outmuscled an Infinity defender to get through on goal, he could only send his effort into the side netting.

At the other end, Owen O’Neill tested Sam Mardsen, but the United goalkeeper dealt comfortably with his effort.

As the game moved into stoppage time, Infinity remained in front, but their task became harder in the 93rd minute when goalscorer Willett received a second yellow card.

United then won a second penalty in the 95th minute, giving them one last chance to salvage something from the afternoon.

This time, Sadler made no mistake, converting from the spot to make it 1-1 and secure a valuable point against the leaders, whose manager was also shown a red card.

Infinity remain eight points clear of second-placed AFC Walcountians, who have a game in hand, while United sit fifth.

Worthing United return to league action at Guildford City on Wednesday (7.45pm). Infinity are next in action on Saturday (Oct 24), travelling to Clanfield.