HALSTEAD TOWN opened their season’s account with a deserved draw at Clipbush Park.

Despite having some players out through injury, the young side of talented players, prompted praise afterwards from manager Rob Munro.

Despite a nervous opening, both sides soon set about each other.

Town had the first shot on goal through Jack Jones and a minute later, Tom Devaux had a goal questionably ruled offside.

10 minutes later, Adam Smith delivered a long throw into the net that was deemed to have touched no one.

Fakenham then woke up. Jason Cole and Jake Betts caused Halstead’s defence endless problems and on the stroke of half time, their pressure paid off. After a hectic goalmouth scramble, the ball was cleared to Nicky Bunting who drove a deft twenty-yard shot through Town’s defence to open the scoring.

Early in the second half, Danny Clements (injured) and Lee Hurkitt were replaced by brothers Josh and Jordan Palmer and their impact transformed the game.

Although Fakenham worked hard and continued to attack, they rarely threatened Ed Wootten and his defence freeing up Town’s offence.

Jamie Williams brought out a brilliant save from Fakenham’s keeper Tommy Rix. Then Adam Smith hit the side netting with a vicious close range shot and it was Smith who was instrumental in Town’s equaliser. Set free by Jamie Williams, he sidestepped his opponent and crossed for Jordan Palmer to score.

Town should have had a penalty minutes later when Josh Palmer was pole axed in the box.

They could have won the match with a move seeing Jamie Williams bringing out another fine save from Fakenham’s keeper.

Honours even then, but new manager Rob Munro said afterwards "I'm more than pleased with today and can’t wait to get this team going."

Halstead Town: Wootten, Smith, Clements (Josh Palmer- 56m), Devaux, Cunliffe, Diss, Hurkitt (Jordan Palmer- 51m), Smith, Jones, Brady.
Bookings- Devaux, Williams