By James Briscoe
Nantwich Town defended well to earn a 0-0 draw at Evo-Stik Premier Division leaders North Ferriby United.
The Dabbers extended their unbeaten run to four with the goalless draw in a backs to the wall effort.
Ferriby’s profligacy also allowed promotion rivals Hednesford Town, who beat Whitby 4-0, to join them at the top of the league on points.
Ferriby flew out of the traps but the Dabbers defence stood firm to the immense frustration of the home faithful and players.
And despite two one-on-ones for striker Ryan Kendall, poor finishing and goalkeeping heroics by Nantwich’s Jon Brain meant the Villagers would rue what could have been.
Kendall was put through by Liam King but Brain saved with his left hand on 36 minutes.
The Ferriby striker had an identical chance on the stroke of half time but again Brain stood up well to maintain his clean sheet.
The hosts continued at a ferocious pace for the opening 15 minutes getting the ball forward quickly which led to Ferriby’s Kendall and Gary Bradshaw shooting wide off a hard pitch on two and 12 minutes respectively.
Nantwich’s Charles Raglan and Ryan Dicker were characteristically composed and the Dabbers grew in to the game, which saw Harry Clayton blaze over on 13 minutes.
Targetman Tom Bentham had a penalty shout turned down after he appeared to be shoved in the back when attacking a Josh Lane cross.
And loanee, Clayton was apparently struck by a Kendall arm on 36 minutes but the referee and his assistants saw no infringement.
Ferriby’s Adam Nicklin was forced to tip over from a Lane header following an Oliver Devenney free kick on 67 minutes.
The Villagers spent the last 10 minutes of the game camped in the Dabbers half, pumping cross after cross into their opponents’ box.
But they lacked composure to find a goal and Darren Moss’ Nantwich earned a deserved draw to cut the gap to 13th to two points.
Nantwich: Brain, Cole, Bailey (Foster 45), Maguire, Raglan (c), Dicker, Lane (Wilson 81), Devenney, Bentham, Clayton, Hudson. Subs: Hughes, Moss, Everall
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