RHYS Whyborne grabbed a last-gasp equaliser as Hastings United bolstered their hopes of avoiding the drop with a thrilling 3-3 draw at Tonbridge Angels.

The United skipper netted in the third minute of added time with a slide-rule finish into the bottom corner after being urged forward by manager Tony Dolby.

The visitors had looked to be on their way to their second defeat of the Easter period after falling behind for the third time in the match just moments earlier when loose marking at a corner allowed former Hastings ace Carl Rook to claim his second goal of the match.

Tonbridge, who have already secured their place in the end-of-season play-offs, dictated the contest in the early stages but had to wait until the 33rd minute to open the scoring when Paul Booth slipped the attentions of a couple of defenders and bypassed goalkeeper Jani Seitsonen.

Not long after, Tonbridge defender Leon Legge was sent off for a tug on Frankie Sawyer in the box and Sam Adams slotted home the penalty.

Rook claimed his first of the afternoon seconds before half-time with a free header at a Jamie Clarke free-kick.

Danny Spice cleared off the Hastings line soon after the restart before The U’s began to make use of the extra man.

Adams forced a decent save out of Lee Worgan and then Sawyer saw his shot cannon off a defender and trickle along the goalline.

Sawyer levelled with a crisp half-volley two minutes from the end of normal time.

Horsham picked up a point from an uninspiring 0-0 draw at home to Tooting & Mitcham.

Neither team had much to play for and chances were a rarity throughout a game played at a leisurely pace.

There was very little for either set of fans to cheer in the first half – Tony Acheampong’s header over the bar from Russell Eldridge’s floated free-kick was the only half-chance in the first 30 minutes.

Tooting upped the tempo towards the end of the half, Paul Vines’ shot on the turn was saved by Rob Tolfrey, while the Hornets responded when Claude Seanla tried his luck from 20 yards. Tooting went closest when Andrew Howell’s cross/shot clipped Tolfrey’s crossbar while Horsham’s best chance saw Seanla squander a free header.