By Jon Harland

Hampton & Richmond scored a dramatic late equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw against league leaders Dorking Wanderers at the Beveree Stadium.

A brace from the in-form Mauro Vilhete denied Wanderers all three points, despite taking the lead twice through Jimmy Muitt and Charlie Carter.

The Beavers remain ninth in the National League South, five points adrift of the play-off places, while Marc White’s side edge clear at the summit by a point, breaking away from the five-team deadlock at the top.

Vilhete was lively in the early exchanges, pulling a shot wide and having another blocked, but there was little to separate the two sides.

The first real chance of the match fell to the visitors after 17 minutes, but Jason Prior’s attempt from close-range was superbly saved by Max Merrick.

Wanderers continued to apply pressure, sending a shot just wide of the post, and were rewarded in the 19th minute when Jimmy Muitt broke the deadlock with a strike from the centre of the box.

Beavers found an equaliser 10 minutes later through Vilhete, who slotted in James Roberts’ cutback from the byline after skinning Dorking’s full-back down the left wing.

The home side grew into the game and could have taken the lead when Kristian Campbell’s inch-perfect through ball sent Vilhete through, but he was denied by Harrison Foulkes.

Merrick was almost caught out by a looping Wanderers cross before half-time, but the Chelsea loanee recovered well to tip the ball out of play.

Dorking regained their lead after the interval thanks to a header from Carter, who flicked in a deep set piece from the left in the 53rd minute.

Merrick was called to action again moments later, as the 18-year-old saved Carter’s volley with a strong left hand.

The game erupted back into life in the 88th minute when substitute Bunmi Babajide darted into the penalty area and found Vilhete, whose shot was blocked for a corner. 

Vilhete then sent the Bev into raptures a minute later with an equaliser, twisting and turning in the box to create space before smashing the ball past Foulkes.

The referee’s final whistle was met with a satisfied ripple of applause from the Hampton supporters, as their side battled valiantly to secure well-earned point against a dangerous Dorking outfit.

Vilhete put in another scintillating performance, bagging his sixth goal in as many games, taking his tally to 11 for the season, along with seven assists.

Alan Julian’s team have suffered just one defeat in their last 11 league games and remain unbeaten at home in the league since October.

Thanks to Tonbridge dropping points at home to Hornchurch, the Beavers stay one point ahead of the Angels with a game in hand.

Hampton & Richmond return to action at The Bev on Saturday, where they will take on seventh-placed Truro City. Tickets can be purchased HERE.