Thurlow Nunn Premier Mildenhall Town 1 Ipswich Wanderers 1 Mildenhall, the Thurlow Nunn Premier league leaders, avoided a fourth consecutive defeat with a late goal to deny Ipswich Wanderers completing a notable double.

East Anglian Daily Times: Mildenhall's Chris Bacon battles throughMildenhall's Chris Bacon battles through (Image: Archant)

The Hall have struggled of late and, clearly lacking in confidence, clawed their way back into championship contention - and should have taken all three points given their possession.

They nearly went ahead in the first minute when Stephen Spriggs struck a terrific volley against the woodwork following David Cooper’s measured pass and then Chris Bacon missed an open goal.

The visitors went close when Danny Thrower produced a stunning volley that went inches over.

The home side began to gain the initiative and Green headed wide but they were unable to fashion a clear opening, despite the influence of Spriggs, the architect and main threat of their offensive play.

East Anglian Daily Times: Wanderers open the scoring in the first half as the Mildenhall players look for an offside.Wanderers open the scoring in the first half as the Mildenhall players look for an offside. (Image: Archant)

Indeed Spriggs again went close, lobbing visiting keeper Bradbrook from an angle but passing the far post. Generally the Ipswich side were defending through good organisation, with Mark Goldfinch imperious.

It was against the run of play that Wanderers shocked the home side to take a 29th minute lead. Connor Ward opened a square defence threading the ball through to George Mrozek, who, with commendable calmness, slotted the ball home.

Another rare chance followed when Nathan Speed forced his way through but lifted his effort over the home goal.

The second half saw Hall start with greater intensity but without really breaking down a stubborn and resolute defence that as the half progressed produced outstanding defending from Goldfinch and the equally impressive Kris Rose.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich keeper James Bradbrook watches as the ball goes over his bar.Ipswich keeper James Bradbrook watches as the ball goes over his bar. (Image: Archant)

Luke Parkinson crossed but Max Melanson headed weakly and then the lively Spriggs, through on goal, lacked conviction and leaning back ballooned his shot over.

Inevitably the breakthrough came in the 78th minute.

The splendid Rob Ruddy rose majestically to head home a Spriggs corner to set up a grand finale that produced further chances but the Ipswich side held on to gain a creditable point.