HALSTEAD Town claimed a valuable away point after drawing 1-1 at a hard-working White Ensign side, writes KEN GILLIARD.

The Humbugs travelled to Southend looking to build on their excellent draw against Essex Senior League leaders Enfield the previous week.

Halstead's starting line-up showed two changes from the previous week as Jack Cherry returned in goal after a few weeks out with an injury and Jordan Palmer replaced the injured Tom White.

Early exchanges were even with Robbie Bennett and Joel Older both having early efforts for the visitors whilst Monk tested Cherry for the visitors.

However, the first real chance went the way of Halstead after superb play from Older which saw him beat two players and put in Palmer, whose on target effort was deflected and looped over.

Kately threatened for the hosts but his effort was wide of the mark and this was quickly followed by Cherry needing to make a great save from Mead from close range.

The game was heading towards the break with sides exchanging attacks but with no real threat until Jordan Blackwell pounced on a mistake in the home back four, but put his effort wide with just the keeper to beat.

Halstead Gazette:

If the first half wasn’t one that would stick in the memory the start to the second half certainly would and it was the hosts who were out of the traps the quickest.

White Ensign took the lead within three minutes and it was a beauty of a goal from Mechack Asuka, who shot over Cherry into the top corner.

It wasn’t long, however, until Halstead levelled after Blackwell’s corner created chaos in the home defence and Matt Travell fired home.

The game seemed to then swing in favour of the visitors as within a minute McAllindon got his second yellow and the hosts were to play the final half an hour with ten men.

It was Halstead doing most of the pressing with Blackwell and Travell both seeing efforts narrowly off target but Ensign still posed a threat and Evison went narrowly wide at the other end when in a promising position.

Alfie Cleal was denied by Monk's block but this was followed by two chances for the hosts, firstly Evison fired over from close range and then Asuka shot straight at Cherry, who pulled off a great save.

The last chance fell to Ben Morris, but his headed effort flew wide and it meant that the spoils were shared in a well-fought match.