Carlisle United surrendered a two-goal lead to earn just a point in their National League clash at Brunton Park with Southend.
It means their grip on the all important third place in the table has been loosened and looks to be a fight now with Boreham Wood for that guaranteed semi-final spot.
Rochdale and York will surely finish first and second, in either order, and to avoid an extra play-off game Carlisle need to hang on to third, currently just two points ahead of Boreham Wood.
The Blues had made a flying start with the opening goal on three minutes after Stephen Wearne intercepted a stray pass from Owen Mason and then collided with the goalkeeper as Georgie Kelly slotted in the loose ball.
Mason was hurt in the incident and had to be replaced by Collin Andeng-Ndi, who was quickly brought into the game, making a good save from Regan Linney.
But it was Linney who added the second goal for Carlisle on 36 minutes when he was able to finish off a cross from Ryan Galvin.
Southend, battling for the final play-off place, fought hard after the break to get back into the game and reduced the deficit on 65 minutes when a low shot by Andrew Dallas from the edge of the box found the net.
They kept going and gained their equaliser after 81 minutes with an unfortunate own goal by Carlisle defender Terell Thomas.
