Liversedge held to stalemate at Nostell

The Friday night fixture once again proved popular, the crowd more than double Nostell’s average home gate despite the awful weather.

The first half was tedious for supporters of both teams, who had little to cheer about, with most of the play confined to the midfield area.

Liversedge had the only two chances of note, as Regan Fish made a fine run, going past four Nostell defenders before shooting narrowly wide.

Former Nostell player Joe Walton then headed over the crossbar unchallenged but neither side really looked like breaking the deadlock.

Nostell had opportunity to win the game after the break when a series of chances fell their way.

Matthew Johnson shot from inside the penalty area but new Sedge goalkeeper, Dominic Smith blocked his effort and the reboundwas cleared.

Fidel Mhlolo hit the side netting for the home team before Simon Poole missed two clear scoring opportunities, the second attempt being cleared off the line.

Luke Gordon then hit a post from a corner and saw another shot parried by Smith, before a defender helped him to clear the rebound.

Joe Walton managed to beat Welfare man of the match Franck Zalo but the Nostell defender recovered before the Liversedge striker had chance to shoot.

At the other end Gordon crossed for James Kitson but he headed wide and deep into injury time Gordon created an opening for full-back Ryan Donoghue to run onto, his cross found substitute John Douglas, who shot wide.

The draw leaves Liversedge 19th in the table, two points behind Nostell, but it was enough to edge them ahead of the three sides below them.

Third-bottom Parkgate slipped to a 4-0 defeat at Staveley MW last Saturday, second-bottom Armthorpe lost 3-0 at Thackley, while bottom side Brigg Town were not in action.

Sedge are a point ahead of Parkgate and five above Armthorpe but have played more games than their two rivals.