Heaton AFC arrived as the form side, sitting fourth and looking for a way to distance themselves from the mid-table clutter. Acton United, currently thirteenth, spent the first seventy minutes playing a brand of football that suggests they have forgotten the primary objective of the game. It was an exercise in patience, though mostly for the spectators.

The deadlock broke in the 77th minute. Cihan Köprülü found Ingmar Schlüter in open play, and Schlüter finished with a clinical edge. It was a tidy goal. It was also a relief for the man. Schlüter had spent his last outing against Pendle watching the final hour from the tunnel after a red card, so the goal served as a necessary apology to his manager. Heaton AFC suddenly looked like they had the game tucked away.

“Schlüter had spent his last outing against Pendle watching the final hour from the tunnel after a red card, so the goal served as a necessary apology to his manager.”

Acton United waited until the 87th minute to remember they were playing a match. Bashir Ashitey provided the assist for Jasper Maitland, who scored in open play to snatch a point. It was a classic Acton collapse in reverse: ten minutes of lethargy followed by a sudden, desperate burst of competence.

The result ensures Acton United stay on four points. Heaton AFC remain on seven, their momentum checked by a team that specializes in making things difficult for everyone involved.

It is confirmed. Both sides have no time to dwell on the draw. The next matchday is tomorrow.