The result saw The Blues extend their unbeaten run to four matches, with a fourth consecutive draw. While Needham Market missed an opportunity to go seven points clear at the top of the table with their second draw in as many weeks.

Brad Munn made two changes to the side that drew against Leamington midweek. Andy Kanga replaced Nathan Tyson up front and in defence a late change saw Luke Martin return at centre-half in place of Jamie Hanson.

Seth Carroll-Chambers had several chances for the visitors in the opening quarter but could not trouble Ross Durrant in Long Eaton goal.

At the other end of the pitch Joe Nyahwema was as bright as ever, cutting in from the left flank, but Marcus Garnham was equal to the winger’s early efforts.

There was a close call in the Long Eaton defence when George Atwal stuck a leg out to block a cross and could only watch as the ball deflected off the top of the crossbar and behind for a corner.

As the first-half came to a close, Kanga’s relentless press was almost rewarded with a goal. The striker won the ball back in the final third and squared it to Liam Loughlan in the box but the midfielder’s attempt was blocked and cleared.

After a goalless first-half the visitors came out re-energised and on top. Tevan Allen had a great chance to fire the visitors in front but his powerful first-time effort from the edge of the area was met with a crucial block from Andrew Wright to keep it level.

Chances came and went at both ends of the pitch and with five minutes left of regular time Daniel Morphew’s volley was denied by the post, Luke Ingram ran onto the rebound but struck it over the bar from close-range.

With time almost up, second-half substitute Cieron Keane tried his luck from distance and narrowly missed the target with a rocket of a shot and the match finished level despite the 19-place difference between the two sides in the league table.