LITTLE Oakley midfielder Lee Barrett reflected on a missed opportunity as his side shared the spoils from a six-goal thriller at Wivenhoe Town.

The Acorns led 2-1 in Saturday's Thurlow Nunn League division one south derby but, after conceding twice in six second-half minutes, they had to come from behind and salvage a point through Greg Rodger's goal.

Lewis Wood and Harry Mann had scored earlier on and both sides were reduced to nine men in the closing stages, with Wood and Barrett seeing red for the Acorns.

"We were far from our best, coming out of the blocks slowly and possibly over-confident," said Barrett.

"Wivenhoe started at a 100 miles an hour, flying into tackles, giving us no time on the ball and taking an early lead with a deflected shot.

"We gradually got back in the game and went in 2-1 up at half-time, in what was proving a scrappy and feisty derby.

"But we started the second half very laboured, quickly going behind after conceding two absolutely dreadful goals, making mistakes and showing a real lack of concentration.

"The game eventually finished 3-3 and although it ended on a sour note, if there had been another five minutes there's no doubt we would have won.

"Chances were coming thick and fast and we were the only team looking to take three points.

"Ultimately, we weren't good enough on the day and will look at it as two points dropped, rather than a point gained."

Oakley, who lost 3-2 at home to Brightlingsea Regent Reserves in the League Challenge Cup on Tuesday night, have a division one south date at May and Baker on Saturday.

The hosts are two places and three points behind the Acorns.

"We must learn from last week if we're going to build on our great start to the season," added Barrett.

"But on a positive note, the games are coming thick and fast.

"We can put this match behind us and move on to the next run of fixtures, including some important cup games, none bigger than the forthcoming FA Vase game (against Enfield 1893).

"The team spirit is as strong as ever and lots of the boys are playing really well at the moment.

"As a squad, we believe we can match anybody on our day.

"Our main focus is still to finish as high up the league as possible come the end of the season.

"It's still very early days and no doubt the next couple of months will prove pivotal."