LITTLE Oakley played out a 1-1 draw with FC Clacton in the Tendring derby at the Austin Arena, writes LARRY DOBKIN.

The Acorns fell behind after six minutes of the Essex Senior League match when Jenson Mulqueen's long-range shot deflected off Nobbs and sailed past Lawlor.

The wind was in FC Clacton's favour in the first half but Oakley almost levelled when a slick passing move from the back put Dan Rowe in on goal.

However, an industrial Harvey Cowler tackle saw him booked and Cant's subsequent free-kick hit the wall.

Oakley were now getting the better in midfield and they were awarded a penalty after 15 minutes when Harry Mann was bundled over in the box, giving referee Wally James no option but to award a penalty.

Mann took the penalty but keeper Michael Bett guessed correctly and made a fine save to keep FC Clacton's lead intact.

Bett pushed Hipkin's effort away before Oakley equalised midway through the first half when Jack Sibbons side-footed home a volley at the far post from a corner.

The game was becoming more like a local derby, with some physical challenges and end to end football.

Lawlor saved Louie Kudiabor's bullet-like header and Oakley were trying to play football on the ground and cut out the effect of the wind.

Rowe's neat turn and shot found Bett well positioned to deal well with the shot and Bett parried Mann's effort just before the break, as the sides went in at half-time on level terms.

FC Clacton had the first real chance of the second half, getting a cross into the Oakley box where a corner was conceded.

Oakley then provided the best move of the game when Mann, Rowe and Harman combined in a passing move where they gained a corner.

The set-piece was cleared to the edge of the area where Cant's half volley flew agonizingly just over the bar.

Both teams put a lot of effort into getting a winner in the final half hour but with the wind getting stronger, no goal opportunities were given.

With time running out, Gregg Rodger worked hard and won the ball just inside the Oakley half and picked out Mann.

It provided Oakley with a two-on-one overload opportunity but Mann over hit his pass to Rodger the opportunity was lost, as the spoils were shared.

Oakley player of the match was Jack Sibbons who has found the happy bonus of scoring important goals.