STEVE BAKER admitted he was "disappointed" after Chipstead only earned a point at high-flying Whyteleafe on Tuesday night, having led for more than half the game.
Dan Buckle gave the Chips the lead on ten minutes and it took until the 68th minute for Leafe to find an equaliser, Sam Clayton weaving his way through the visiting defence.
There was a flurry of chances, with both keepers tested, in an exciting last 15 minutes of the feisty local derby, but neither side could find a winner in a clash between two of the surprise packages in the early stages of the Ryman League Division One South campaign.
"I'm disappointed," Chipstead boss Baker said. "It was an entertaining game and both teams got it down and tried to play but I'm disappointed with their goal.
"Overall, I thought we deserved to win the game. There wasn't a lot in it but I thought if it was based on chances I think we edged it.
"My only concern was when they did score they had a bit of momentum and the crowd got behind them. I was pleased with our response, we didn't panic."
Baker was pleased with the physical presence new signing Dan Buckle brought to the Chips, but believes the big striker was harshly judged after a second-half scuffle with Jensen Grant.
"He wasn't going to start but Will Turl had trouble getting here, so Dan started and then bangs in a great goal from 25 yards," the manager said.
"He did well, he caused problems and rattled a few. We are too nice sometimes.
"There was a bit of a fracas in the second half and I can't believe their number eight didn't get sent off. He deserved to be sent off for the tackle alone in my opinion whereas Dan got booked for having eight people sit on top of him."
