JAMIE O’Hara was pleased with his side’s attitude, desire and character as Billericay Town bounced back from their harrowing defeat to Concord Rangers by sealing a 1-1 draw with Essex rivals Chelmsford City.

Just 48 hours after losing at Concord, Town claimed a share of the spoils at New Lodge.

Although Billericay were pegged back as Themis Kefalas’ opener was cancelled out by Nana Kyei, O’Hara was in positive mood after seeing his side end a run of three consecutive National League South losses.

“It’s been a really tough period for us with games being called off at home and the pitch really struggling,” said player-manager O’Hara.

“Our away form hasn’t been great so it was nice to get a home game on.

“Chelmsford are a very good side in a good moment.

“I thought the boys’ attitude, desire and character was different class.”

Kefalas, who scored an early own goal in the defeat to Concord, handed Billericay a seventh minute lead by diverting a corner into the back of the net.

Chelmsford hit back with Michael Chambers forcing Alan Julian into a fine save and Chris Whelpdale firing wide.

But the Clarets drew level on the stroke of half-time as former Concord Rangers loanee Kyei found a way past Julian.

Jake Robinson was denied by goalkeeper Laurie Walker shortly after the interval, while the frontman was also frustrated by a vital block.

Walker made an impressive save to keep a Jack Paxman attempt out as it finished honours even.

O’Hara was keen to praise Oran Jackson and Jacob Cook, who played through the pain barrier.

“I thought Oran was very good,” added O’Hara.

“Cooky came back and played for us in midfield with a broken jaw.

“I begged him and told him I needed him to play because there were not many players to choose from.

“I thought they were different class and worked really hard.”

However, O’Hara was disappointed with the goal Chelmsford scored.

“We conceded a silly goal where we probably could have done better but the difference between us and Chelmsford was that their balls into the channels were better than ours,” admitted O’Hara.