Leaders Ebbsfleet picked up a point at draw specialists Chelmsford on Monday night.

It was a 10th draw of the season in National League South for the Essex side.

Ebbsfleet made two expected changes with Josh Passley and Camron Gbadebo returning from suspension. Olly Box dropped to a four-man bench but Maxx Manktelow was not involved. Ironically, Chelmsford were only able to name five substitutes in their line-up.

They had an early sight of goal when Ash Clarke’s near-post shot was well beaten away by keeper Will Buse.

The Fleet keeper lost his footing a couple of times in the first half but the hosts were unable to take advantage.

It took the visitors 30 minutes to conjure up a shot at goal when Ben Chapman fed Finlay Barnes but his 25-yard shot was deflected wide.

Gene Kennedy’s close-range header was straight at keeper Alfie Marriott before the Fleet took the lead on 34 minutes. A right-wing cross was headed down by Daniel Ogunleye for Barnes to hook home his fifth goal of the season.

Chelmsford were level within a minute when the impressive Clarke beat two defenders and sent a delightful right-foot shot into the far corner.

They nearly went ahead on 38 minutes when skipper Cav Miley won the ball in midfield and set up Jamie Odegah, whose shot went over the bar from the edge of the area.

Chelmsford went close two minutes into the second half when a swift counter-attack from a Fleet corner ended with Buse producing an excellent save to turn behind Clarke’s left-foot shot.

They went ahead on 53 minutes when Manny Egbo delivered an excellent right-wing cross and former Maidstone and Dartford striker Jack Barham diverted his header into the far corner.

Ebbsfleet nearly levelled on 63 minutes when Charlie Seaman and Passley combined brilliantly down the right. The latter pulled the ball back for substitute Dominic Samuel but his close-range shot was well blocked by a defender.

The Fleet were back on level terms four minutes later when Tizzard set up Chapman, whose first-time cross was swept home by the arriving Barnes to make it 2-2.

Kennedy did well to block Egbo’s shot behind for a corner with 12 minutes left before Passley cleared Egbo’s cross as Chelmsford pressed for the winner.

Ogunleye’s shot was diverted over the bar at the other end but neither team could conjure up a winner at the death.

Chelmsford: Marriott, Barbrook, Tompkins, Ralph, Barham, Green, Miley, Egbo, Olopade, Odegah, Clarke. Subs not used: Eastwood, McFarlane, Browne, Crowther, Dunne.

Ebbsfleet: Buse, Passley, Gbadebo, Vokins (Samuel 57mins), Hessenthaler, Ogunleye, Seaman (Walker 83mins), Tizzard, Kennedy, Barnes, Chapman. Subs not used: Hall, Box.

Referee: Steven Hughes.

Attendance: na