Waltham Forest were denied an impressive away win at Cheshunt on Tuesday night as a last-minute equaliser from a former Stags player ensured the game ended in a 1-1 draw in the Ryman North Division.

The Stags would perhaps have been happy with a point before kick-off against a team seven places higher but after being in front for 77 minutes and creating chances to double their lead, the visitors went home disappointed.

Recent postponements meant Forest were playing their first competitive match since January 15 but the away side looked the sharper early on and took a deserved lead in the 13th minute.

Leon Fisher put Lee Scott through on goal and while Scott scuffed his finish, it fell perfectly into the path of L’Heureux Menga, who smashed the ball into the net from three yards out.

The Stags could have extended their advantage as Scott, Menga and new signing Ike Nzuruba all went close.

Cheshunt gradually found their feet in the game however and should have equalised when Will Holmes found himself one-on-one with Forest keeper Amadou Tangara but his lob drifted wide.

The hosts continued their fightback in the second period but were unable to break the Stags’ resilient backline until the 92nd minute.

Forest lost possession high up the pitch, Cheshunt broke and from the resulting corner Mete Sem, who had started the season at the Stags, headed home at the back post.

The club will take encouragement from the team’s performance which was aided by a host of new signings made this week.

Three defenders have joined as George Essuman arrived from London Colney, James Foster signed from Cockfosters and Kevin Toonga joins from Hatfield Town.

Also making the move from Hatfield is Nzuruba, who is a striker with previous experience at Scottish league side Cowdenbeath, while Andrew West has signed from Waltham Abbey and Joel Palmer returns to the club after a spell at Romford.

Forest will be hoping the fresh blood can help the team produce another good display on Saturday when they entertain seventh-placed Thurrock.

Waltham Abbey’s matches against Erith & Belvedere on Saturday and Brentwood Town on Tuesday night were both called off.

Abbey, who are 15th in the table and have played less games than the teams immediately below them, travel to title challengers Witham Town on Saturday.

Redbridge have also been victims of the weather this week with matches against Ware on Saturday and Tilbury on Tuesday night both being postponed.

The Motormen are next in action at home to Harlow Town on Saturday.