Hendon and Maldon Town's first ever meeting ended all-square at Claremont Road a result which undoubtedly pleased the visitors more than the hosts. Although the Greens' unbeaten run is now three games, and they have drawn four out of five, the feeling is that an FA Cup place and at least four points have been squandered in this spell.

Mark Cooper, the 13th former Hendon player to reappear for the club this season, made his second debut in place of René Street, while a fit-again Iain Duncan took his place at left-back, moving James Parker to the right side of the defence at expense of Marvyn Watson, who was not in the 17.

Maldon came into the game their confidence boosted by two straight wins, and they had the advantage of a strong wind at their backs in the opening 45 minutes. The first half was rather cagey, although Essex club had slightly the better of it.

They took the lead after 20 minutes in a way that has exemplified Hendon's season to date. The Greens were on the attack and a half-chance to Craig Hughes was blocked by Sean Bell's robust - but perfectly legal - challenge. The ball broke to Sam Clarke, who helped it downfield. Dean Parratt arrived late in the penalty area and when the ball reached him, he netted with a precise low shot.

Dave King was the busier of the two goalkeepers, but he was rarely called into serious action. At the other end, Hendon failed with three good chances, Ricci Crace, twice, and Craig Hughes, failing to trouble David McCartney from good positions.

Hendon made a change at half-time, the ineffective Danny Murphy being replaced by Danny Julienne. It had the desired effect because the Greens dominated the second half. However, Hendon's finishing again let them down, the worst miss being a header by Julienne, who had a free header from in front of goal, eight yards out, but he flicked the ball a couple of yards wide.

For much of the period, Hendon asked only sporadic pressure on the visitors' defence but when they exerted asked serious questions of the Maldon back-line, the answers were that they were found wanting. Two or three clearances had panic written all over them, but Hendon were already at the stage of needing to make an immediate breakthrough.

Indeed, Maldon failed to take their best chance of the half, Chris Whelpdale hitting the side-netting from six yards out after a mistake by Parker. Had that opportunity been converted, Hendon would almost certainly have slipped to another defeat.

The equaliser, when it came, was rather special. With 10 minutes remaining, Hendon were awarded a free-kick, 25-yards out. New Zealand international Jeff Campbell stepped up and sent the ball screaming into the roof of the net.

Two minutes later, Hughes almost opened his account for the club with a back-header that bounced inches wide of the far post with McCartney well beaten. In a frantic finale, Crace, Hughes and substitute John Frendo all failed to hit the target from good positions, although they had team-mates better placed had they opted to pass instead of shooting.

In stoppage time, King dropped a cross and then did well to keep out a low shot from Parratt that was arrowing inside his near post.

"It's another game we should have won," bemoaned Hendon manager Gary McCann. "The ball is just not dropping for us at the moment. We need a little bit of luck to go our way and I am sure that will give us the confidence we need."