FRUSTRATED Upton Town threw away the lead three times in a 3-3 draw with basement boys Kings.

The fifth-placed Hill Centre hosts dominated the Cheltenham Association League Division One encounter.

But missed chances and fine goalkeeping conspired to prevent Town securing their sixth league win of the season.

Upton started off well and, on a wet and heavy pitch, played good football.

Tom Crump, Tom Morris and Kris Richardson had early efforts.

Simon Craddock had the best chance of the opening half but was denied by a superb save from point-blank range.

Town did take a deserved lead when Tom Morris headed in from a James Smith long throw.

They continued to push and Kris Richardson was put through by Tom Crump but his shot was blocked by a last-ditch sliding tackle.

But maybe a bit of over-confidence cost Upton as they left themselves short at the back for Kings to counter towards the end of the half.

The visitors won a free-kick which was converted to make it 1-1.

Morris had a fine chance to restore Town’s lead right before half-time but shot wide from close range.

The second period saw more of the same as Town committed bodies forward and they regained the lead on 55 minutes.

Craddock followed in a shot and beat two men in the air as he powered his header home.

However, minutes later Town failed to clear a goal kick and the Kings striker nipped in to level.

Upton went back on the offensive and a flowing move down the left saw the ball played into the feet of Matt Hindmarsh.

From eight yards out, Hindmarsh took his time and picked his spot to make it 3-2, completing a fine passing move from back to front.

But yet again Kings got back into the game, this time with a fluke goal.

A ball over the top was overhit and evaded everyone to float into the top corner from 35 yards.

Town piled forward as Richardson and Hindmarsh had efforts to restore the lead as did second-half substitute Luan Gashi.

Debutant Will Lloyd saw a good header tipped wide before Craddock had another sight of goal but was denied by a spectacular save.

Town enjoyed a flurry of corners at the end but could not find the winner as the game finished even.

Town host league leaders Whaddon United on Saturday, while ninth-placed Hanley Swan return to action at home to Falcons (both 2pm).

Second-placed Welland entertain leaders Leckhampton Rovers in a Division Three crunch clash (2pm).