Chelmsford battled for an honest point at Ilkeston Town on Saturday in an entertaining 3-3 draw.

The home side lost influential defender Matt McKenzie after only five minutes, though that loss didn't seem to deter the Robins who soon after notched their first goal of 2002 on home soil as John Knapper sent Glen Kirkwood through, who comfortably beat Danny Potter.

City's equaliser came on 41 minutes as Kevin Dobinson's free header hit the crossbar and deflected back off goalkeeper Joel Armstrong to Dobinson who headed home at full length.

Ilkeston went back in front just before half-time as Kirkwood nodded in from close range after City were caught short at the back.

However, in a stirring second period, the Clarets turned the match around. Ian Wiles headed in Ian Cambridge's corner before another header, this time from defender Ben Lewis put the Essex side in front.

A rare away win looked on the cards until 14 minutes from time when Carl Wright's deflected shot was somewhat fortunate to beat Potter. A valuable point nonetheless from an entertaining match which keeps Chelmsford in 10th spot - they have 44 points from 33 league matches in their first season back in the Premier Division.