An own goal from Zac Williams gifted his former club Crewe a late equaliser as Barnet had to settle for a 1-1 draw in the Sky Bet League Two contest at the Mornflake Stadium.

The Bees appeared to be closing out on their sixth win in eight games thanks to Tom Knowles’ stunning first-half strike, until substitute Williams hooked a free-kick past his own goalkeeper Matthew Cox.

The late drama meant Crewe averted a third consecutive defeat, after Lee Bell’s side had struggled against the visitors’ direct and competitive style for much of the game.

Knowles sparked the game into life in the 34th minute when he came infield to pick up a loose ball and lash a shot into the top corner from 20 yards, beating recalled Crewe goalkeeper Ian Lawlor emphatically.

The response from the Cheshire side saw Josh March set up Jordan Gibson inside the box, but the attacker produced a tame effort which was blocked by a Barnet defender.

The Railwaymen continued to labour after the break, with Gibson lofting a woeful free-kick from near the D so high over the bar it hit the stand roof.

The home faithful were infuriated when penalty appeals were turned away after March went down.

However, they were happier in the 85th minute when Williams inadvertently stretched a leg to a home set-piece and the ball flew into the far corner.

Both sides had later chances to win it late on, with March heading against the underside of the bar before Kabongo Tshimanga saw his effort from a tight angle well saved by Lawlor at the other end.