Missed chances cost Met Police another two vital points in their fight to get into the Ryman League Division One South promotion play-offs when they were held 1-1 at Burgess Hill Town on Saturday.

Barry Stevens broke through the home side defence early on, only for his right-footed drive to be saved by the outstretched legs of keeper Andre Foster. Tony Finn then saw his corner kick shave the crossbar and another Finn corner was headed over by Dave Newman.

Burgess Hill's best first-half effort was a header from giant central defender Danny Gainsford which was well saved by Will Packham. The home side took the lead nine minutes into the second-half following a disputed free-kick. With the Police apparently thinking the ball was going out of play, Gainsford nodded it back across the goalmouth, allowing striker Ashley Jarvis the simplest of chances to head into the net.

Police roared back and equalised on 66 minutes with a scorching 32-yard drive by new signing Rene Regis. Substitute Regis, on for James Evans, drove the ball over keeper Foster, who was 10 yards off his line.

Foster then prevented Police getting the winner with fine saves from Stevens, Adolph Amoako and Carl Hutchings, while Finn missed the target from only 10 yards.

Police now face two important league games, away to Croydon Athletic this Saturday (3pm), and at home to Godalming Town on Tuesday April 3 (7.45pm).