WOOTTON Bassett Town manager Paul Braithwaite says that Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Abingdon United felt like a win.

The Corinium Stadium-based side travelled to the Oxfordshire strugglers missing 10 players from the first team squad and had bench that contained four injured players – including new signing Josh Skeates.

Bassett took the lead on eight minutes in this Hellenic League Premier Division contest when Dan Bailey, who struck twice on Wednesday night in the 5-1 win over Cheltenham Saracens, turned the ball home from a Shaun Terry corner.

However, the hosts drew level when Anaclet Odihambo lobbed Ben Mitchell.

Abingdon took the lead on the hour mark when they piled on the pressure on the Bassett goal forcing George Drewitt to turn the ball into his own net.

But tempers started to boil over late in this contest as Abingdon saw Cameron McNeil and Kieran Davis dismissed with only six minutes left on the clock.

Braithwaite then reshuffled his pack to try and force an equaliser and that came from Henry Traas.

“I think considering the number of injuries we had, this felt like a win,” Braithwaite told the Advertiser.

“We have gone there done a job and showed plenty of character – I’m pleased.

“It wasn’t the greatest of games, neither side got going, it was one of those matches where it was just bits and bobs for both of us.”

Braithwaite was also pleased with the commitment of new winger Skeates after he joined the club from Fairford Town in midweek.

Despite having not played for the best part of three weeks due to injury Skeates came off the bench to help add some width to Bassett’s play.

“Josh came to me before the match and said that he probably had a maximum of 10 minutes in him,” Braithwaite said.

“He hadn’t played for three weeks and our physio felt that there wasn’t a chance that he could play, but he did and, along with Tyler Sheppard, came on and contributed to help us get a point.”