A last-gasp goal against the run of play sank Ottery 2nds in their penultimate game of the season against Lapford 2nds.

The Washbrook Meadows side had their opponents on the ropes for much of the second half but couldn’t find the back of the net.

A late sucker-punch on the counter attack left the Otters deflated and on the receiving end of an undeserved 2-1 defeat.

It was the second time this season Lapford had inflicted injury-time heartache on Ottery – levelling with the last kick of the game in a 3-3 thriller in the reverse fixture last year.

On Saturday, the unlucky home side lacked a final ball and killer instinct to claim the three points.

They had man-of-the-match keeper Brad Turner to thank for limiting Lapford, who packed a constant attacking threat, to just the two goals.

The visitors opened the scoring early on, strolling through the defence and finishing calmly.

But the home side showed resolve and slowly grew into the game, with skilful wingers Sam Sharpe and Tom Harrison leading the charge alongside hard-working attacking midfielder Shane England.

Harrison scrambled the ball home to level, and Ottery thought they had taken the lead just moments later when a clearance rebounded off England and looped towards the open net.

It bounced and struck the underside of the bar and, to the protestations of the home players, no goal was given.

The Otters bossed possession in the second period but could not find the breakthrough, coming closest when an effort was cleared off the line.

Lapford still posed a danger and were denied on several occasions by Turner. They found the net from a counter attack with just seconds remaining.

Ottery 2nds’ last game of the season is away to table-toppers Culm United 2nds on Monday, April 27.