Abingdon United defied the odds to come back from a goal down, and with only ten men, to score twice for their first win in 12 games as they won 3-2 at Clevedon to ease any lingering doubts over relegation from Evo-Stik Souuthern League Division 1 South & West.

Tom Melledew proved the Abingdon hero, scoring the winning goal in the second minute of injury time.

Abingdon made a cracking start, with Toby Nowell and Jack Ross being denied before Aaron Woodley gave them a sixth-minute lead with a neat shot on the turn.

Clevedon equalised in first-half injury time. Clayton Fortune appeared to control with his hand before forcing a point-blank save from Abingdon keeper James Foster.

But he couldn’t stop Steve Kingdon hammering home the rebound.

The second half saw Clevedon come at the visitors time and again.

Eventually in the 54th minute, a ball over the top found Reeko Best running clear into the area and Mark James brought him down from behind. This resulted in a penalty and James being given a red card.

Foster got a hand to Alex Russell’s spot-kick, but could not stop it going in.

Ten-man Abingdon pre-ssed forward and equalised in the 73rd minute through Ross following a slick move involving Kevin Hall and Nowell.

Clevedon piled men forward, but the visitors somehow hung on.

With Abingdon’s management shouting for the final whistle, Paul Taplin found Nick Christodolou whose pace undid the home de-fence, and his pass inside was met by Melledew.

His first shot was blocked, but he made no mistake as he blasted the rebound into the back of the net to secure an unlikely win.

Abingdon Utd; Foster, Baker, Halliday, James, Thomas, Melledew, Riccio, Tucker, Woodley, Ross (Taplin 75), Nowell (Christodolou 84). Sub not used: Bourne.

Attendance: 94.