Bostik North Mildenhall Town 1 Maldon & Tiptree 1 A 79th minute strike from skipper Luke Butcher salvaged a point for Mildenhall in a game where the home side could have easily taken all three, as they struck the woodwork three times and had a penalty saved, writes Dave Meeson

Dean Greygoose’s men showcased several new signings in this opening league fixture, including the returning John Sands and David Cooper while Maldon & Tiptree had former Ipswich Town and Colchester United defender Wayne Brown in charge for the first time.

The visitors were first to show as Matthew Briggs cut inside before firing in an effort which was turned away by ‘Hall keeper Ben Mayhew. The dangerous Emmanuel Osei replied by exchanging passes with Sands before driving in a shot which Ben McNamara in the Jammers’ goal was able to smother.

As the half wore on Mildenhall began to dominate and Joe Asensi’s corner cannoned off the crossbar. Asensi then delivered an inch-perfect free kick which was headed home by Sands only for the experienced striker to be denied by the offside flag.

Hall continued to pile forward and McNamara was twice called into action to deny Osei again.

It was more of the same at the start of the second period, though Colchester United loanee DeCarry Sheriff broke clear for the visitors only for Mayhew to save the day as he tipped his low drive round the post.

Hall centre back Tom Boxer then headed another Asensi free kick against the post and on 52 minutes the hosts were awarded a spot kick for a foul on Lee Watkins but Sands’ penalty was comfortably saved by McNamara.

Tom Debenham then struck a post with a thunderous low drive as the score somehow remained level.

Maldon & Tipree did look dangerous on the break and after Sheriff had an effort hacked away by Boxer, substitute Callum Jones raced down the right and delivered the perfect cross for Sheriff to convert from close range with a 15 minutes of normal time to play.

However, David Cooper then sent in a deep free kick for ‘Hall which was headed back by Debenham to Butcher who expertly guided the bouncing ball into the top corner to square the match.