New-look Clacton Town came within ten seconds of claiming the scalp of Ryman League Romford, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
The south Essex outfit netted an injury-time equaliser through Whinney to deny the Seasiders who had led thanks to a fine Glen Hepburn goal on 59 minutes.
But perhaps the most significant feature was a knee injury to Clacton keeper Jon Cardy who is now facing a fight to be fit in time for the start of the Jewson League season.
Manager Steve Dowman said: "Some people say the result is not important but I don't. Two wins would have put us in the winning habit.
"After we scored we sat back too much, we gave them the initiative."
On a positive note, Dowman added: "We had several players missing, particularly in the first half, but we still matched a team two or three divisions above us."
A youthful Harwich side were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Suffolk and Ipswich Leaguers Walsham le Willows.
James Helyard put the Shrimpers ahead but the visitors levelled ten minutes from time.
Boss Phil Boyland said: "It's the first time I've ever seen a lot of these players play. I'm still looking at players in different positions, but it's been encouraging so far."
Sorry Maldon suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Kent League favourites Deal Town, going down 5-0.
The Jewson League side missed good chances early on, Tommy Noble and Lee Sonnex the culprits.
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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