Barnston put in their best defensive display of the season to claim a draw against second-placed Tollesbury – and might feel slightly aggrieved not to have taken maximum points.

Buoyed by the positive win over White Notley last week, the High Easter Road side went into the game full of confidence, and it showed as they kept out their high-flying opponents while managing to pose a threat at the other end.

Barnston boss Luke Nash was pleased with the performance. He said: “Before the game I would have taken a point but we showed how much we have improved this season and really could have taken all three in the end.

“The main positive to take from this game was that this was by far our best defensive display of the season. We looked solid and defended well from the front.”

Tollesbury started with the lion’s share of possession but could only carve out some long range efforts that rarely troubled keeper Charlie Turner.

Barnston had their own chances, one noticeably when a great passing move saw Mitch Simmons through on goal, but he snatched his shot wide of the target from 18 yards out.

Playing with the slope in the second half, Barnston set off pushing for the opener while at the other end it was tough for the visitors to create chances while man-of-the-match Troy Featherstone and Dan Norris marshaled the Barnston back four well.

The home side kept pushing and Charlie Harris had a great chance with a diving header five minutes from time but he only managed to glance it wide.

Tollesbury fashioned a late chance, an effort deflected over the crossbar, but Barnston could have won it had Ben Barnsley’s low strike not been cleared off the goal-line.

Barnston host Harwich & Parkeston on Saturday.