Bottom side Waltham Forest picked up what could prove to be a crucial point in their battle against the drop as they drew 1-1 with 10-man Newham in the Essex Senior League on Saturday.

Visitors Newham started the day a place and a point above the Stags and the draw left Turgut Esendagli’s side in the same position ahead of Wednesday’s visit from second placed Basildon United. The away side made the better start to proceedings and went in from after 15 minutes through Bradley Williams.

But 10 minutes later the visitors were down to 10 men when a poor challenge from Glody Nsamu resulted in a straight red card.

The Stags made their numerical advantage pay five minutes before the break when Jose Agua met Solomon Ofori’s cross.

Stephen Ellery missed a second-half penalty for Waltham Forest.