GAINSBORO T 0 ALFRETON 0

TWO sides in the lower reaches of Vanarama National League North slugged out a dismal draw at a foggy Northolme.

There was little to inspire before the bad weather descended, although the clean sheet was Trinity’s first since August.

The two sides will now do it all again at Alfreton’s Impact Arena on Wednesday in a bid to reach the next round.

It took half an hour for either side to get a shot on target, George Willis having to deal carefully with Liam Hearn’s shot on the turn.

Jordan Thewlis curled an effort wide, Hearn having an effort ruled out for off-side in a low-quality first half.

The fare didn’t improve after the break in pea-soup conditions, Hearn dragging a shot wide after being well found by Andy Monkhouse.

Paul Clayton threatened with a header from Adam Smith’s accurate free-kick before Nathan Jarman picked out Reece Hands at the other end, but he was off target.

Alfreton almost nicked it four minutes from time from a free-kick, Willis producing a reaction save to tip over from Niall Heaton.

In truth neither side did enough to win through yesterday, though the visitors will now be the favourites to complete the job in midweek on home soil.

STAR MAN: Terry Kennedy (Alfreton) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★