Bradley Bubb scored a sensational goal from halfway, but also missed a penalty on an eventful debut as Oxford City were held to a draw by Chelmsford in their Vanarama National League South opener.

City twice had to come from behind to rescue a point after Hugo Skepelhorn and then Charlie Henry put the visitors ahead.

Alejandro-Adrian Santiago equalised for the first time before Bubb – one of five debutants in the City side – opened his account from the centre-circle.

However, he also missed a 66th-minute penalty, while Chelmsford’s Billy Bricknell had a late spot-kick saved by new City keeper Laurie Walker.

It was the home side who dominated the opening 30 minutes, but several opportunities went begging.

Captain Darren Pond was the first to miss from close range, flinging himself at Bubb’s delivery into the goalmouth, but sending it over the bar.

Then Bubb raced onto a simple ball over the top, but skewed his shot well wide.

New man Carlos Pifarré picked out compatriot Julen Lafuente following an excellent run on the left, but the former Deportivo Alavés B man somehow sliced over from six yards.

City were to rue that miss as Bricknell raced free on the left-hand side before pulling it back for Skepelhorn to net the opener.

The hosts needed just two minutes to reply, with Santiago heading in a Lafuente free-kick at the back post.

City again found themselves behind shortly before the hour mark after Walker failed to punch clear a ball across, which fell to Henry to blast home.

Chelmsford’s advantage was even more short-lived this time, thanks to the vision of Bubb.

Spotting thekeeper off his line, he launched the ball goalwards direct from kick-off to restore parity within seconds.

Bubb then had the chance to put City in front for the first time when Kynan Isaac was tripped in the box, but his tame penalty was saved by goalkeeper Ashley Timms.

The City goal then led a charmed existence as the visitors pushed forward, with Bagasan Graham seeing one effort cleared off the line.

And ultimately City were indebted to Walker late on as he sprung to his right to keep out Bricknell’s 78th-minute penalty following a foul on Lee Sawyer.

Oxford City: Walker, Coulson, Lapoujade, Del Alamo, Henderson, Santiago, Sterling-James (Isaac 15), Pond, Bubb, Lafuente (Fleet 61), Pifarré (Lawrence 81). Subs not used: Stonehouse, Arzamendi.

Attendance: 253.