HALSTEAD TOWN played out a well-fought draw in an east end downpour on Saturday leaving manager Rob Munro beaming with pride after the game.

In a first half of very few chances, it was the Londoners who took the lead on 7mins with a free kick out of their own half, headed home by Anthony Scott. On 39mins, they went 2-0 up with a 25-yard scorcher from Ally Hutchinson.

It hinted that Town were in danger of a rout, but on the stroke of half-time, they pulled a goal back through Ryan Sutton which turned the game around.

In the second half, in a torrential downpour, Halstead rained attack after attack on the home side’s goal but, in a moment of madness in their own area, they allowed APSA to go 3-1 up after a goalmouth scramble. David Lee slotting home easily through a crowded defence.

Thereafter, Halstead fought back well, and with 10mins to go, Hyun-Jin Lee was hauled down in the penalty area. After dusting himself off, he converted from the spot for 3-2.

Then, fighting hard for the equaliser, and with the Londoners clearly panicking, Town attacked again and from a long throw-in from Adam Smith, Jamie Williams set free Ryan Sutton to smash home the equaliser. In the closing minutes, the same player could have won it but shot wide after some enterprising play out of midfield.

Afterwards, Rob Munro smiled and enthused about the replay- "That was an amazing fight back and this young side showed their mettle today- I was proud of their performance."