LEE Connor feels Basildon United deserved to pick up all three points as Grays Athletic came from behind to register a 2-2 draw.

The Bees took the lead twice, with Luke Stanley and Callum Taylor both on target.

But an own goal, along with a late equaliser from Aron Gordon, allowed Jamie Stuart’s hosts to steal a share of the spoils at Parkside.

And Connor, who was interim manager for the Isthmian North encounter before Neil Blackburn’s appointment as boss, was pleased with Basildon’s performance.

“We started really well, got the ball down and played some nice football,” said Connor, who has now taken on the role of vice-chairman.

“We took the lead and went in at half-time 1-0 up.

“But we came out and fell asleep for their first goal.

“Frank Puemo overstretched to clear the ball and it came off his leg before going in.

“We went back in front with Callum tucking away the penalty, which was great for him because it was his 18th birthday and his mum and dad were behind the goal.

“We fell asleep again for a couple of minutes and we couldn’t see the game out.

“It was a difficult game, but we should have won.

“But, at the same time, it’s another point towards safety.”

Stanley broke the deadlock three minutes before the break to give the Bees a first half lead.

Although Grays levelled matters thanks to an own goal soon after the hour mark, Basildon went back in front with just nine minutes remaining as the referee pointed to the penalty spot.

Taylor dispatched the spot-kick and Basildon looked to see out the closing stages.

But Gordon’s low drive, through a crowded penalty area, allowed the hosts to seal a point and deny the Bees a first win in 12 games.

Basildon United: Olajide, Mead, Brown, Okah, Puemo, Turpin, Reed, Pibworth (Morris 82), Taylor, Stanley (Aileru 66), Spencer (Webb 76)