Sam Francis took his season's tally to 16 with a second-half equaliser as Worthing fought back to earn a point at Croydon in division one south.

Rebels might have snatched their first away league win in two months late on but Francis had a shot turned over the bar by goalkeeper John Odlum.

Worthing had the better of it in the closing stages and Shaun Grice also had a header saved, while substitute Florian Mateos almost scored right at the death.

Striker Craig Dundas drove Croydon ahead from just outside the six yard box on 58 minutes, but Francis levelled only seven minutes later with a well placed shot from a through ball by Richard Carter.

Midfielder Carter was introduced at the break for former Albion defender Ross Johnson, with Mark Pulling switching to right back, Frenchman Mateos having earlier replaced the injured Owen Hill.

Mark Knee led Worthing's attack alongside Francis, with Ben Carrington and Gavin Geddes both missing and Paul Rogers had an early header cleared off the line before Chris Dicker fired a free kick just over.

Dicker put a left foot shot just past the upright on the stroke of half-time, after Sean Campbell had provided Croydon's only threat of the opening period by firing a free kick narrowly over.