Late drama saw Waltham Abbey recover from 3-1 down to claim a 3-3 draw when they entertained newly promoted Leiston on Saturday.

The Abbots dominated the early stages and will feel unlucky not to have taken a half time advantage.

However, the visitors started to come into the game and tested Harry Ricketts in the home goal on a couple of occasions before they took the lead with a minute of the half remaining.

Stuart Broadley’s free kick from the edge of the area eluded Ricketts but the advantage was not held for long.

An injury time penalty at the opposite end from Steve Cawley saw the Abbotts back on level terms heading into the break.

Leiston enjoyed a better start to the second half and regained the lead on 55 minutes through Michael Brothers, who found the far corner with a driven effort, before Nathan Stone increased the visitors’ advantage with less than 20 minutes remaining.

Tim Shaw pulled one back for the hosts with a matter of minutes left on the clock before a dramatic finale saw Cawley earn the home side a point, heading home deep into injury time.