Shelley at the double in EP’s draw

The point moved EP level on points with Peacehaven at the top but they were unable to regain top spot owing to goal difference.

EP almost went ahead in the first minute but Craig Grantham had a shot saved and EP felt his follow-up was handled on the line by a defender but no penalty was awarded.

Dorking took the lead early on but Shelley levelled with a calm finish on 39 minutes, although Dorking had regained the lead by half-time.

EP equalised on 82 minutes when sub Shaun Charles crossed for Shelley to head home his 15th goal of the season. East Preston then had a chance to win it as Grantham got through but scuffed his shot and the home keeper denied him.

EP boss Dominic Di Paola said: “We’re going through a patch where things aren’t quite going for us. We just didn’t get going in the first half, although were a bit better in the second and they were hanging on for the last 25 minutes.”

EP gave a debut to winger Richard Hudson, who has joined from Lancing.

East Preston’s Sussex Senior Cup second-round tie at division-lower Steyning Town on Tuesday was postponed owing to a frozen pitch.

EP host Selsey in the league on Saturday, before they travel to Dorking Wanderers in the third round of the Sussex RUR Cup on Tuesday.

EAST PRESTON: Ender; Duncan, Pullan, O’Hagan, Hartley; Shelley, Clark, Axell, Hudson; Rhodes, Grantham. Subs: Franks (Hartley 20), Boddy (Clark 50), Charles (Rhodes 70), Elliott, Simmonds.