Hungerford Town 0, St Albans 0

Match report by Ron Tarry

Although we stayed in 6th. place as a result of another goalless draw, we lost ground in our battle for a play-off place, four of the five top clubs gaining maximum points, and our task becomes ever-more difficult, the game at Poole on Tuesday
the next critical hurdle.
There was plenty of hustle and bustle in this hard-fought game, a number of chances, but no goals, as both goalkeepers were on top form. and none of the forwards could find that composure which could have notched a winner, although the blustery wind made things difficult, especially with the ball so often in the air rather than along the ground.
We had a couple of early corners, but James Russell dealt with them confidently and then came out well to punch the ball off James’ Clark ’s head. The Saints keeper did even better when he pulled off a great save from Warren Bentley, who had been put through by Louie Soares. Graeme Montgomery had a half-chance for the visitors, but he shot high and wide, as the game continued at a frantic pace, with long balls from both sides, before Lewis Ward pulled of a great save from the Saints centre forward. At the other end, Russell saved well as Bentley intercepted a pass out of the St. Albans defence and burst through the middle.However, half-time arrived with the score-sheet still blank.
We came out of the blocks well playing down the slope at the start of the second half and gained several corners in quick succession, but somehow the visitors survived a series of goalmouth melees with defenders always being in position to block the ball. as it bobbled about just in front of goal. We also went close when a Clark corner flew across the face of the goal with no one able to get a touch. Inevitably, the visitors had space to attack as we poured forward, but Ward was in great form and dealt with everything thrown at him.
Alan O’Brien and Tom Meecham were brought on to bolster our attack, but neither side could force a clear-cut opening and, despite all their efforts, the game ended goalless, a blow to our play-off hopes, but perhaps not so disappointing to the Saints, who are in mid-table and not in the hunt for honours.
TEAM; Lewis Ward, Rhys Tyler, Mike Jones, Jon Boardman, Matt Day, Luke Williams, James Clark(Tom Meecham),Ian Herring, Nat Jarvis, Warren Bentley, Louie Soares(Alan O’Brien)
Subs;Harry Goodger, Scott Rees, Kallum Thomas.