A Shane Wardley looping header from the edge of the six-yard box gave the home side the lead in the closing minute of the first period, following a half during which Dereham had created the better of the limited chances on offer.

On the hour Nicky Howell lifted the ball into the box and a combination of Stuart Williams and Danny Beaumont bundled the ball past Walton in the Haverhill goal - Beaumont looking to have had the last touch.

In the closing minutes John Higgs made a point-saving double stop from Banham's shot and Wardley's follow-up. At the other end a smart Robbie Harris effort was parried by Walton to ensure both sides gained a point from this opening day encounter.

This was the Magpies first point in an opening day match since August 2005.