Bicester Town came from behind three times to draw 4-4 at Henley Town and preserve their unbeaten start to life in Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1 East.

Danny Bone struck twice, while Rob Johnson and Murray Nichols were also on target at Mill Lane to claim a hard-earned point, as Richard Bennett hit a hat-trick for the hosts.

Henley took just six minutes to open the scoring, when Bennett crossed for Adam Bygrave to head home.

Johnson provided Bicester’s first equaliser, skipping past his marker and slotting a shot past the goalkeeper in the 21st minute.

Bennett struck twice in seven minutes late in the half to give the Red Kites a 3-1 lead at half-time.

But the visitors took just two minutes of the second half to reduce the arrears, when Bone pulled a goal back.

Further scores looked inevitable in the end-to-end game and Nichols struck 12 minutes from time to level again.

Henley hit back and went straight up the other end, where dangerman Bennett promptly completed his hat-trick.

But there was still one more twist for Bicester’s hard-working side.

In the 89th minute, Bone rounded off a fine move by heading a cross past Henley goalkeeper Steven Fairchild to ensure the points were shared.

Bicester slipped to third in the table, two points behind new leaders Headington, whom they host on Saturday.