C&K Basildon Ladies picked up their first point of the season after registering a 1-1 draw against FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division leaders Loughborough Foxes.

Maddie Thomas got on the scoresheet as C&K Basildon ended the hosts’ 100 per cent winning start.

And captain Alex Bailess felt the visitors were deserving of a share of the spoils.

Bailess said: “We knew we would need to put in a huge performance to take points away from top of the league Loughborough, and the girls didn’t disappoint.

“We battled hard and deservedly got our first goal and point of the season.

“Things are finally coming together and we are looking forward to playing Gillingham under the lights tonight.”

C&K Basildon came close to moving into a third minute lead as Raquel Murray struck the foot of the post before Gemma Abella’s rebound was saved by Laura Parsons.

Despite the early pressure, it was Loughborough who took the lead as Katie Lowder sent a fine strike from 30 yards over goalkeeper Chelsea Hinz.

C&K Basildon responded with Grace Gillard volleying Abella’s free-kick over the crossbar before Hinz did well to deny Charlotte Cooper when through on goal.

The away side capped off a sustained spell of pressure by equalising 10 minutes before half-time.

Courtney Clarke found Thomas, who found the back of the net from the edge of the penalty area.

C&K Basildon started the second half well and Sophie Rhodes saw her shot saved by Parsons after being put through on goal, while Murray saw a header cleared off the line.

As the match entered the closing stages, Loughborough put Basildon under sustained pressure as they sought to retain their 100 per cent league record.

Eva Rodgers struck the C&K Basildon crossbar 10 minutes from time, but the visitors held firm.