AFC Whyteleafe secured a late equalizer to draw 2-2 with Cheshunt in their Step 3 encounter on Saturday, leaving both teams still searching for their first win of the season. The match took place amid challenging starts for both sides, who have struggled for consistency.

Whyteleafe began the match on the front foot, with Daniel Bennett testing Cheshunt goalkeeper R’avan Constable early on. However, it was Cheshunt who opened the scoring shortly before the half-hour mark. From a corner delivered by Cole DaSilva, Charlie Naylor rose unmarked at the far post to head the ball past Slav Huk, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Despite the setback, Whyteleafe responded strongly and produced what was arguably their best football of the campaign to date. Francis Mampolo came close to equalizing before halftime, forcing Constable into a save. In the second half, both Jake Rose and Mampolo tested the Cheshunt goalkeeper with smart attempts but failed to convert.

With nine minutes remaining, Whyteleafe finally found the breakthrough as Matt Warren struck a powerful shot from outside the penalty area to level the score at 1-1. However, just before the 90th minute, Cheshunt appeared to have restored their advantage. Joe Re delivered a pass to Antonis Vasiliou, who calmly finished past Huk, putting the Ambers ahead once again.

The hosts, however, were not to be denied in the closing moments. Substituting Nile Ranger made an immediate impact by heading in a stoppage-time goal to secure a deserved point for Whyteleafe. The draw sees both teams continue their pursuit of a first victory in this campaign.