HALSTEAD Town had to settle for a point after drawing 1-1 with visitors Clapton in their latest Essex Senior League match, writes KEN GILLIARD.

The Humbugs entertained second-from-bottom Clapton knowing that victory would go a long way to securing their own Step 5 survival.

But despite taking an early lead, Halstead could not hold on and had to settle for a valuable draw.

It was an entertaining game with both keepers saving penalties, which ultimately saved their sides from defeat.

The unchanged Humbugs were bolstered by their previous week's victory and the opening five minutes saw them exerting pressure on the visitors, with Tom White’s cross causing big issues and then a header from Ed Plackett going narrowly wide.

However, Clapton absorbed the early pressure and showed some intent and the game turned into an end-to-end affair.

Clapton almost broke the home defensive lines but Robbie Bennett’s great tackle intervened whilst up the other end Halstead forced a number of dangerous free-kicks.

The game continued to flow although real chances were at a premium although Michael Brothers, Joel Older and Tom White were a constant threat up front for the hosts.

A goal finally came on 38 minutes when some excellent approach work from Older saw him unselfishly play in White, who slotted into an empty net.

Halstead then had a golden opportunity to extend their lead when the referee pointed to the spot after Brothers was taken down but Jordan Blackwell’s tame effort was saved by the visiting keeper.

With the interval looming Clapton were denied by a last-minute intervention by Matt Travell and Blackwell had the chance to atone for his penalty miss but fired over after being played in by Older.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first as Halstead started the liveliest and in the opening five minutes went close with Alfie Cleal seeing his goalbound effort blocked and Brothers pulling his shot wide.

Clapton again worked themselves into the match and Halstead almost contributed to their own downfall with some slack defensive work but Jack Cherry helped his defence out by finally clearing.

Older then had a difficult chance from edge of the box but saw his effort clear the bar and moments later Clapton had a great chance to equalise as the referee again pointed to the spot.

For the second time in the game the keeper came out on top, with Cherry making a superb save with his legs.

This was probably Clapton’s best period of the game and Halstead were riding their luck a little.

But on 68 minutes the Tons finally got back on level terms and set up an interesting final 20 minutes.

Those twenty minutes saw Halstead predominantly attacking and the Tons looking to hit Halstead on the break.

But despite plenty of effort there were no real chances of note and when the final whistle went Halstead had secured another vital point but will reflect it could well have been all three.