Elston United produced an encouraging opening-day performance but were denied all three points by a late Quorn Reserves fightback in a 2-2 draw.

Elston enjoyed the better of the first half and almost led after 10 minutes when Will Veys’ challenge sent the ball looping over the goalkeeper and against the post. Sam Lloyd then forced a good save from the Quorn keeper, before Veys saw a header from Louis Cross’s delivery cleared off the line.

Cross was next to threaten following excellent combination play with James Clarke, while Ryan Fletcher went narrowly wide from a corner as Elston finished the half strongly.

The breakthrough arrived two minutes after the restart. Cross released Veys with a superb through ball and the striker raced clear before calmly slotting home.

Veys doubled Elston’s advantage on 62 minutes with the goal of the game, producing a delightful 20-yard volley over the goalkeeper after Teddy Furman’s clever headed flick.

Elston looked well placed for victory until James Smith was forced off injured with 15 minutes remaining. With all substitutes already used, Elston had to finish the game with ten men as tired legs began to show.

Quorn pulled one back from a goalmouth scramble on 85 minutes and, despite Elston battling hard to hold on, found an equaliser deep into injury time following a corner.

Elston United: Cristian Costoiu, Barney Repper (Tom Hazelwood 70), Teddy Furman (Curtis French 65), James Smith, Toby Craven, Jake Ledbetter, Louis Cross (Toby Cullen 65), Sam Lloyd, Ryan Fletcher, Will Veys (Jacob Mulliss 70), James Clarke (Charlie Catley 70).