By ADAM MAY

MANNY Williams’ last-minute penalty for Basingstoke cancelled out Michael Cheek’s 23rd goal of the season to deal a sickening blow to Chelmsford City.

Cheek’s simple tap-in rounded off a free-flowing move just 10 minutes before the break and was his 23rd goal of the season in all competitions.

Basingstoke struggled to test Tom Lovelock in the City goal but did squander good chances from Shaun McAuley and Lloyd Macklin.

Cheek had another chance to further the host’s lead when he wriggled free of a challenge, but Moore ensured that that the Dragons kept in the match.

The visitors continued to press and that pressure eventually told with substitute Williams being brought down in the area by Rob Girdlestone.

Williams then stepped up to send the penalty under Tom Lovelock, who had dived the right way, with a minute remaining.

But the Clarets had a great chance to steer themselves in front late on but Mark Hughes blazed over from close-range.

The stalemate leaves Chelmsford 10th in the Conference South table, with Basingstoke third in the table.

City face opposition from Hampshire again at the weekend when they travel to Gosport Borough on Saturday.

The hosts currently occupy final play-off spot and head into the clash on the back of a 1-0 defeat away to Eastbourne Borough.