Draw With Basildon

Gus Gulfer’s men started well with Jakub Berkowicz going close after good work from Kai Heather before Luke With fired wide from a tight angle.

Basildon took the lead on 16 minutes when Jack Adlington headed home from close range after Malaki Toussaint had struck the woodwork.

Adlington was now in the thick of the action and shortly after the half-hour mark missed a great chance to make it 2-0 but he fired wide. ‘Side then had further lady luck on their side when John-Joe Slater saw an effort blocked on the line for the visitors.

‘Side had a great start to the second half when a collision in the area saw referee Peter Wilson award the hosts a penalty on 50 minutes. With, who had converted two penalties already this season, stepped up but saw his spot-kick sail handsomely wide of the target.

Twelve minutes later though the big striker would get a chance to avenge that miss when ‘Side were awarded a second penalty. Basildon defender George Whitby receiving a second yellow card for handling a With shot in the box. With stepped up to stroke the penalty home in off the bar, for his 18th strike of the season.

Heather shortly after almost gave ‘Side the lead but fried wide before Tyler McCarthy was called into action to save a fine Jamie Brown shot for the visitors.

With time running out ‘Side almost found a winner when United keeper David Leader fumbled Sam Edwards’ free-kick but Jason Fontaine agonisingly headed the rebound wide.

The result sees 'Side remain in 11th place in the table, a point behind Basildon.

'Side are back in action on Saturday when they host Eton Manor at Cricklefields. Kick-off for that match is at 3pm.

‘Side: Tyler McCarthy, George Ademiluyi, Liam Clifton, Scott Mitchell, Sam Edwards, Jason Ajoodha (Jason Fontaine), Kai Heather, Marvin Birch, Luke With, David Laird (Ibrahim Conteh), Jakub Berkowicz.

Subs Not Used: Fionn Glancy, Danny Blake, Paul Wright.