Walthamstow were held by Hoddesdon Town in their first official match since their summer rebrand, as Christian Owusu’s second half strike secured Ryan Maxwell’s men a point in the Essex Senior League.

It has been a busy summer off the pitch for the club, who changed their name from Waltham Forest to Walthamstow to coincide with their 150th anniversary and to grow their fan base in the local area, with the team playing their home games at Wadham Lodge.

A number of new faces have arrived at the club this summer, one of them being James Peagram, and the striker got off to a flying start in Walthamstow colours, as he opened the scoring in the 15th minute.

However, Walthamstow, who harbour hopes of challenging for promotion in the Essex Senior League this season, were pegged back when Hoddesdon’s Scott Hayes scored two goals in quick succession to hand the visitors the lead at the break.

But Owusu, whose goals played an integral role in Walthamstow’s survival bid last season, would secure Ryan Maxwell’s men a point, as he got his name on the scoresheet just after the hour mark.

Elsewhere, Redbridge also picked up a point on the opening day of the campaign as they were held by Saffron Walden Town.

The Motormen, who finished in fourth place in the league last season, almost made a perfect start when Calvin Poku raced through on goal after just 11 seconds, but his lofted effort flew just over the bar.

Saffron Walden responded seconds later with an effort of their own, when Thomas Lakin’s effort creeped over the crossbar and they would take the lead in the 11th minute when Charlie Portway converted from the penalty spot after Daniel Trendall was brought down.

Redbridge swiftly responded through Michael Ogboin, who flicked the ball over Neil O’Sullivan before slotting into an empty net.

After such a frantic start, the game’s tempo inevitably dropped and in the end, both teams had to settle for a point.

West Essex were dealt a blow as Lewis Roberts’ strike 25 minutes from time secured Sawbridgeworth Town a 3-2 win in a five goal thriller at Mayesbrook Park.

Josh Knight handed the visitors the lead on the twenty minute mark, but West Essex responded through Greg Frederick to ensure the sides went in on level terms at half-time.

Roberts put Sawbridgeworth back in front as he was released in behind the West Essex backline, before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net, but their lead would last just four minutes, as Tom Macleod equalised after finding the bottom corner.

But Sawbridgeworth would take the lead for a third time four minutes later, something they wouldn’t relinquish, as Roberts netted his second of the game to seal the away side all three points.

It proved to be a disappointing start to the Essex Senior League season for Ilford, as they were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Stanstead thanks to a first half double from Carl Mullings, before Sam West added a third late on.

Meanwhile, Mark Stimson’s preparations for the upcoming Bostik South Central League season were boosted after Waltham Abbey beat Romford 2-0 in their final friendly.

Stimson told Waltham Abbey’s website after the game: "It was a good performance against a Romford side that gave us a test. Most of the boys got 90 minutes in and we scored a couple of good goals. The most pleasing thing was to play at home on a great pitch and meet the fans. We have a couple of training sessions this week before we kick off the league campaign at Bracknell Town on Saturday."