LITTLE Oakley played out a 2-2 draw with league leaders Woodford Town in the Essex Senior League, writes LARRY DOBKIN.

Acorns manager James Good will be pleased with his team performance and never-say-die attitude, holding their visitors to a draw.

Little Oakley started well and Harry Mann had the first opportunity with a half chance that saw his shot deflected off for a corner.

Woodford captain Luke Parrott found himself in space and fired a shot which was heading for the bottom corner and was well saved by Oakley debutant Luke Skinner.

The visitors were now starting to have greater possession and Sam Sollos's pacy run stretched Harman who was ably assisted by Sibbons, whose block tackle prevented the ball coming into the box.

But just before half-time, Oakley started a passing move across the pitch where the ball was worked into the box.

It struck Ben Byrne’s hand prompting the referee to award a penalty and Mann confidently stepped up to score and give the Acorns the lead.

Woodford went on the attack after the break, with both wingers testing the Oakley defence.

They levelled when substitute Oscar Onuorah netted with his first touch, after the ball fell from Skinner's hands after he had come for a cross.

Woodford enjoyed long periods of possession without threatening Oakley’s goal until a good passing move resulted in a free-kick, on the edge of the area.

After Skinner had produced a stunning save, Sibbons put through his own net in trying to clear the danger with two Woodford attackers following in.

With 15 minutes left, a ball was struck at close range at Adie Cant hitting his leg and then striking his arm, which the referee deemed to be a bookable offence.

Cant had already received a yellow card for a previous tackle and was red carded.

Oakley continued to attack with Good bringing on Travell and Rowe to add more fire up front.

And deep into injury-time, a cross into the box was deflected into the path of Oliver Hart who calmly placed the ball into the side of the net, only to see the assistant referee's raised flag for offside.

With the Oakley players and crowd incensed, the referee and assistant had a discussion and the goal was awarded, ensuring a share of the spoils for the hosts.

Oakley's player of the match was Jack Sibbons who was strong in defence and dangerous in attack.