Anchors pleased with first home 0-0 in 10 years!
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STOCKTON Town produced a positive display to pick up a point at home to title-chasing Liversedge, which was their first goalless draw at home in over 10 years.
In a game of very few chances, the hosts had the better chances with Tom Coulthard, Kev Hayes and Liam Cooke all going close.
Liversedge captain Jack Stockdill was shown a red card for a late challenge in the 89th minute, but despite finishing on the front foot, the hosts couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Defender Lewis King, who was part of the Stockton back line who kept their first clean sheet in six games, admitted the Anchors are pleased with a point.
“Overall, we’re pleased, King said. “I don’t think there was much in the game to be honest.
“The management team spoke to us this week about what their threats were and how to nullify that, and today we done that very well.
“I can’t even remember them having a shot on goal in the 90 minutes. I don’t think Callum (Roberts) has had a save to make.
“We’re maybe a little bit disappointed not to pick up all three points. We’ve had the best chances.
“We’re pleased because they’re second in the league and haven’t dropped many points this season, so we’ll take the positives and move on to next week.”
Stockton manager Michael Dunwell made one change to the side that was held at home to Sheffield FC last weekend, with striker Jamie Owens coming in for Nathan Steel.
The first real sight of goal for either side, after a tentative start to the game, came in the 21st minute when Owens’ shot fizzed beyond the post.
Just before the half-hour mark, Cooke’s free-kick was only partially cleared, which allowed Kev Hayes to get a shot on target, which was saved by Max Dearnley.
Anchors defender Tom Coulthard went close to breaking the deadlock on 35 minutes, but his header from Cooke’s cross was held by Dearnley.
With the game finely poised going into the second half, the visitors started on the front foot, but failed to really make the most of their possession.
Oliver Fearon fired wide of the target six minutes after half time, while Coulthard went close at the other end with a header.
Cooke’s free-kick from 25 yards out went over the bar and, arguably, the best chance of the second half came in the final stages of the game.
Mikey Roberts won the ball from Alfie Raw, five yards outside his own box, and burst forward on a darting run.
However, his pass to Owens, who had a clear run-in on goal, was just overhit and the visitors recovered.
Hayes sent a rasping drive over the bar just four minutes later before the visitors were reduced to 10-men when Stockdill was shown a second yellow card.
Liversedge remain second in the league table while Stockton move up to fourth place.