Mildenhall 3 AFC Sudbury 3

East Anglian Daily Times: Tom Debenham, on target for MildenhallTom Debenham, on target for Mildenhall

This was a thrilling West Suffolk derby played in front of a holiday crowd of 276 spectators at Recreation Way with Dean Greygoose’s side looking to avenge their FA Cup defeat at Sudbury on Saturday, writes John Campany.

The home side took the lead in the first minute, but then salvaged a deserved point in the 90th, in a game that ebbed and flowed and was a credit to both teams.

It was attacking football at its best that produced plenty of excitement and a great opening goal of quality, that set the standard.

A ball played from deep was headed on by Mildenhall’s Tom Debenham into the path of John Sands who swept the ball powerfully past Paul Walker.

The visitors responded when Callum Harrison’s free-kick tested home keeper Blake Horton, and then a cross from the right was headed on to the post by Darryl Coakley.

It was all action with Mark Morsley’s young side almost levelling when Harrison, using his pace, struck a rasping shot well saved low down by Horton.

However, Mildenhall almost extended their lead when Sands feeding off Jarid Robson’s pass produced a powerful volley brilliantly held by Walker. Maintaining their momentum they went close again when Debenham out jumped Walker to a cross, but his deft header was cleared off the line.

Jordon Blackwell played a superb ball into space and the willing Phil Kelly fastened on to it and dispatched a shot to the far post, but the Australian keeper acrobatically saved.

Sudbury deservedly drew level in the 35th minute when the impressive Harrison wriggled past defenders before hitting a right-foot shot inside the post.

In this breathtaking half Mildenhall almost regained the lead when Osei crossed, but Debenham’s firm header was instinctively saved by Walker.

Sudbury took the lead in the 56th minute when Ben Hunter’s cross was deflected into his own goal by James Seymour but, five minutes later Debenham equalised, heading home.

The excitement continued and Paul Hayes set up Harrison who drilled home a terrific shot with five minutes remaining, but the home side equalised again in the 90th minute when Debenham headed home his second from Osei’s cross to conclude a fine spectacle.

Referee Mr Benjamin Bowles (Colchester)