Whitewebbs 0 Buntingford Town 0 The two top sides fought out a goalless draw on Saturday in a largely uninspiring game. Despite the home side needing to win to close a three-point gap, they spent long periods on the defensive. Town were without Duncan

Whitewebbs 0 Buntingford Town 0

The two top sides fought out a goalless draw on Saturday in a largely uninspiring game.

Despite the home side needing to win to close a three-point gap, they spent long periods on the defensive.

Town were without Duncan Easley, Chris Hardy, Jim Hollingsworth and Liam Beaumont, and lost top scorer Will Turl to a freakish half-time injury when he tripped up a step.

Boss Paul Attfield said afterwards: "Under the circumstances I am very happy with a point.

"We never really found top gear today but that was understandable with a number of personnel changes from recent games.

"I thought we defended really well throughout, and with a little more care in the second half could easily have nicked the game."

Town travel to Metropolitan Police Bushey tonight (Thursday) before hosting Sandridge Rovers on Saturday.

Victories in both of those games would put Attfield's team within touching distance of the Herts County League title.

Both defences remained strong in the opening quarter with no clear scoring chances.

It was the home side who got three quick breaks midway through the half that could have seen them take the lead.

First Mark Brennan forced a good save from Damion Williamson, after weaving his way into the box. And from the resulting corner the ball came back into play off the crossbar.

Shortly after, Whitewebbs winger Martin Chirimuuti cut in from the right and hit a fierce drive that Williamson superbly tipped over at full stretch.

Town always looked capable going forwards but were frustrated with a number of poor final passes, but did create the best chance of the half just before the break.

Youngster Ricky Young worked himself some space just outside the area and threaded a ball through to Tom Malins.

With only the keeper to beat the ball took an awful bobble and went for a goal kick off Malins' shin.

The second half was more even and became more stretched, with the heat starting to take its toll on the players.

Both teams had good possession, but again were let down by poor final balls, and were denied by some good defensive play.

Luke Robins had two efforts well saved by the home keeper, and on the hour Mark Wright had the best chance of the game when he reacted quickest to some defensive hesitation, but his header over the keeper came back into play off the post.

Town defended well enough, with centre halves David Cain and Jamie Babbage in fine form and very commanding physically.

Town: D Williamson, L Endacott, D Chaffey, J Babbage, D Cain, W Turl (J Stephens), M Smith, T Malins, M Wright, R Young, L Robins