A LATE goal denied Maldon and Tiptree a dream start to the season after they drew 2-2 with Felixstowe and Walton United in their Pitching In Isthmian League division north opener, writes LEE WITNEY.

Joshua Hitter struck deep into injury time for the dogged visitors, to ensure the opening-day spoils were shared, at Park Drive.

Alex Clark who nearly got Maldon off to an ideal start but no-one at the back post could connect with his whipped free-kick from the right hand touchline, with five minutes played.

Felixstowe’s first chance came courtesy of Charlie Warren who found himself free in the six-yard box, but his near post effort was well saved by Tom Middlehurst.

With just over 15 minutes played, the Jammers had the lead.

Some great running by Terrell down the left-hand side forced a corner which wasn’t dealt with by Felixstowe.

After some half clearances, the ball eventually fell to Louie Remi on the edge of the box who fired home low and hard to give Callum Robinson no chance.

With half-time approaching, Robinson was called into more urgent action by Clark and then Egbri in quick succession.

Clark forced a smart stop after beating two men down the right hand side which again wasn’t convincingly cleared by the Seasiders and then Egbri’s long-range effort was well held by the keeper.

Deep into first-half stoppage-time, George Smith gave the Jammers breathing room.

More great work from Egbri down the left saw him beat his man before driving into the box and cutting a wonderful ball for Smith, who unleashed a first-time effort from the edge of the box that crashed into the ground, off the underside of the bar.

After a lot of confusion, the referee eventually awarded the goal to send Maldon into the break two goals to the good.

If Felixstowe were all at sea in the first half, then the second 45 couldn’t have been any more different.

The visitors set about reducing the arrears almost immediately through Henry Barley, who saw a shot deflected wide and then fired over from a narrow angle, within five minutes of the restart.

Moments later, the visitors had their goal courtesy of captain Billy Holland’s wonderful curling shot from 25 yards out that gave goalkeeper Middlehurst no chance.

Buoyed by the goal, Felixstowe pushed for an equaliser and just before the hour mark, they thought they had it only to be denied by the offside flag.

The 90 minutes were nearly up yet still Felixstowe wouldn’t lie down.

A magnificent reflex save from Middlehurst down low repelled yet another attack after a goalmouth scramble from a corner.

Not to be denied, Felixstowe finally broke the Jammers resistance with the last kick of the game.

Jack Ainsley squared the ball to Hitter who had the simple task of rolling home, to give the visitors a share of the spoils.