Poor early-season form has denied both Clacton and Maldon a crack at the Jewson League title, but there was no lack of commitment from anybody as honours ended even in this game.

Maldon started playing into the wind last night (Tuesday), but overcame the conditions to take a fourth-minute lead when Ian Daly met a Craig Huttley corner and headed home inside the post.

Clacton stormed back and with Mitchell Springett working well behind Jimmy Clewley and Glen Hepburn, the visitors were a constant threat.

However, the combative Paul Younan was magnificent in midfield for Maldon and his attention to Springett restricted Clacton's route to goal.

The home back four looked solid, and restricted their opponents to long-range efforts.

At half-time, it looked as though Maldon had done their job. With the wind behind them after the break, and the pace of Scott Witney and Dean Francis yet to be unleashed, victory would surely be theirs.

But Francis picked this occasion for his most ineffective performance of the season, and no amount of work from strike partner Witney could make up for it.

Witney almost doubled his side's lead on 53 minutes with a cross-shot that was allowed to travel across the penalty area before hitting a post.

However, Clacton were looking the more dangerous, and after going close through Jason Clewley and Hepburn, they struck with just three minutes remaining.

Maldon, who should have been looking to retain possession, attempted a quick free-kick. The ball was intercepted and forwarded by Shane Bailey to Jimmy Clewley who headed home from close in.

The goal sparked the home side into life and they attacked for the remainder of the game, but they were unable to secure a winner.

Afterwards, manager Colin Wallington commented: "We did not play as well as we have been.

"It was two points dropped. We didn't do ourselves justice, but we showed that we can battle as well as play football.

"I think a draw was a fair result, although I was disappointed with the performance of Dean Francis.

"He was the difference between a draw and a win, and really I should have taken him off earlier, but at 1-0 up I thought we would hold out.

"It was an error on my part and I apologised to the players afterwards."

Seasiders boss Mick Potter said: "I was disappointed to concede a goal so early on but very happy with the way we fought back."

"We were a bit more adventurous after half-time and I thought we fully deserved a point. In fact, we probably did enough to earn all three."

This Saturday, Maldon play host to Ipswich Wanderers, and on Tuesday they take on Lowestoft in the Jewson League Cup.

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