Waltham Abbey picked up a welcome first point in four on Saturday as they drew 3-3 at Heybridge Swifts, but they still remain in the Isthmian Division One North relegation zone.

A run of three consecutive losses – and five in all competitions – was brought to a halt with a goal-fest at Scraley Road.

The draw leaves Martin Hayes' side 22nd in the league standings. With just under half a season gone, Abbey are a point beneath Redbridge.

Waltham Abbey went in front in first half injury time through Christian Assombalonga – scoring his ninth of the season.

Ellis Lentell doubled up for the Abbotts after five minutes of the second half, meeting a cross to give the visitors a seemingly comfortable lead.

But going two goals down served only to spur the Swifts into action and two goals in a minute got the hosts back on level terms.

First, Liam Thomas nodded past Aaron Omand in the Abbey goal. Then, a minute later, Jack Barham drew the hosts level.

But with eight minutes left on the clock it looked as though the Abbotts had clinched a vital win – what would have been their first since beating Maldon & Tiptree in October – when Assombalonga scored his second of the afternoon.

Yet the scoring was not over there and two minutes later George Coyle snatched a second equaliser for the Swifts.

And it was the hosts who almost took maximum points at the death. Instead, though, Lewis Goldbold contrived to volley wide.

Next up for Abbey is a trip to Redbridge on Saturday in a match which could prove pivotal in the relegation battle.