Leyton Orient Women were held to a 3-3 draw by Actonians Ladies in a valiant performance in the FA Women’s National League on Saturday.

Orient staged a comeback to lead 3-2 after being 2-1 down, but Alessandra Barreca’s free-kick three minutes from the end prevented them from taking all three points.

Chris Brayford made five changes to the side from their last game, including the returns of Chloe Barker and Danielle Griffiths.

In just the fifth minute, Orient were awarded a penalty after Moreno was clattered by Paige Horsnell, and Griffiths buried it for an early lead.

Actonians quickly levelled though as Carla Williams’ weak effort from the edge of the box trickled into the bottom corner.

Just past the half hour mark, the hosts completed the turnaround when Williams again received the ball just outside the area, but this time her deflected effort looped up and in.

Orient got the second half underway and immediately looked a threat, and they found themselves level again when Sophie Le Marchand squared for Moreno to sweep home from close range, and three minutes later Le Marchand scored herself to complete the turnaround, lashing in at the near post.

Despite their determination, Actonians levelled with three minutes to go when Barreca crashed home a free-kick to make it a point apiece.

The side’s attention then turned to Wednesday night as they prepared for the Isthmian Cup final against Ashford Town (Middlesex) Ladies.