Hampson nets a last-gasp leveller for Wivenhoe against Stanway

Rovers were on course for maximum points until deep in stoppage time, when substitute Hampson turned in Marcus Spindler’s shot.

It sparked wild celebrations at the end of an absorbing Thurlow Nunn League premier division derby.

Stanway had looked on course for revenge, leading until the last few seconds, after losing 3-0 in the first of this season’s derbies, at The Hawthorns in mid-August.

Angelo Harrop’s side - unbeaten in the league since that defeat, a run spanning eight premier division fixtures – had come from behind thanks to two goals from Craig Hughes.

Wivenhoe drew first blood thanks to early chipped effort from Jack Clampin, after a smart through ball from Joe Heron.

However, Hughes quickly equalised from a corner and the visitors had other chances to go ahead – including an effort being shovelled off the line and two headers from corners flashing wide - as the sides went in at the interval all-square at 1-1.

Rovers had another big chance early in the second half but Dragons keeper Peter Haxell pounced at the unmarked Jamie Shaw’s feet.

Danny Slatter then volleyed over after a free-kick was cleared to the edge of the box.

Stanway took the lead for the first time early soon after, from a penalty.

The referee pointed to the spot after a ball driven in from the left appeared to hit Joe Davis’ hand.

Hughes slotted home, although Haxell got a hand on his low effort.

Wivenhoe responded well and Hampson hit the bar with a spectacular dipping volley from the edge of the box.

But when play switched to the other end, it could so easily have become 3-1 as Shaw was denied by a brilliant, last-gasp tackle from Heybridge Swifts loanee Jack Smith.

Both goalkeepers were called on to make one more save apiece before Hampson’s late, late leveller salvaged a point for Mo Osman’s men.

Stanway stay second in the table and are now just three points behind leaders Mildenhall Town.

Wivenhoe climb a place to sixth.