SOMERSET'S quest for a first County Championship victory of 2017 was held up by a determined Middlesex batting display on day three at Lord's, with a draw now looking the most likely outcome.

The hosts avoided the follow-on and reached the close on 311-7, 132 runs behind, leaving Somerset needing to wrap up the innings quickly on the final day before pushing on with the bat if they are to somehow engineer a positive result.

Middlesex began the day on 42 without loss after openers Nick Compton and Nick Gubbins saw out Saturday's evening session, but Compton did not last long on the third morning as Tim Groenewald trapped the former Somerset batsman in front for 22.

Lewis Gregory, who starred with the bat on his way to a maiden First Class century yesterday, then made his mark with the ball as Stevie Eskinazi chopped on to his stumps for 6, and Peter Trego ensured Somerset went into lunch happy as he pinned key man Gubbins lbw for 56.

Experienced duo Adam Voges and Paul Stirling made serene progress through the afternoon to quash any potential visiting momentum, and Somerset were forced to wait until the 79th over for their next breakthrough as Jamie Overton had Stirling caught behind for 52.

Josh Davey picked up a deserved wicket with the new ball as John Simpson edged behind, and Steve Davies then took his third catch of the innings after Groenewald forced Toby Roland-Jones into a loose shot.

At that stage the hosts were still 45 short of the follow-on target with just four wickets left and, when Voges was forced to retire hurt on 86, Somerset's hopes of forcing their opponents to bat again grew.

However, James Franklin and Ollie Rayner combined to take Middlesex to within touching distance of the 293 they required and, after Rayner was yorked by Overton on 29, Toby Helm joined Franklin as the home side passed 300 following an interruption due to bad light.

In theory, all three results remain possible, though it would take a remarkable display from either side on day four to avoid the spoils being shared.