HORSHAM YMCA 0 Metropolitan Police 0

Despite the absence of goals, this Ryman Division One South game on Thursday night was very entertaining and both sides should have scored but for the woodwork saving the day.

Inside the opening five minutes and the home side looked the livelier.

A 21-yard free-kick by Luke Gedling flew over the wall and was magnificently saved by Mo Maan, who managed to push the ball around the post for a corner.

Craig Carley up front looked dangerous and he had a couple of chances which were just over the bar.

With the game into stoppage time in the first half Craig Brown from all of 25 yards hit the ball firmly. Alas the ball hit the underside of the crossbar, bounced down and then back into play.

Minutes later and it was the Blues' turn to be thankful for the woodwork as in a packed Blues goal area John Cartledge deflected the ball on to the crossbar.

The second half found the Blues on the attack. John Cartledge tried his luck with a 35-yard drive that was just wide.

Carley then had a 25-yard effort well saved. It was not all one-way traffic however and the home side were very quick on the counter attack.

Striker Terry Dodd, having done all the hard work and broken clear, blasted the ball well wide of the goal. As the game entered its final 15 minutes more chances came and went.

Carley rounded his defender but was unlucky as his shot hit the far post and bounced out.

Would you believe it, minutes later Phil Ruggles with an opportunist shot from just inside the home side area also hit the post. With the game into stoppage time, Carely broke free and was crudely fouled from behind, just outside the area.

Alas the only two people who did not see it were the referee and his assistant and play continued.

Blues: Maan, Cartledge, Simpson, Sutherland, Humphrey, Smith, Brown, Honey, Drewett, Carley, Wright.

Subs used: Gledhill, Ruggles

ATTENDANCE 53

NEXT GAMES

Saturday, March 13 (3pm) Sittingbourne v Metropolitan Police, Ryman FL Div One South

Tuesday, March 16 (7.45pm) Metropolitan Police v Merstham, Ryman FL Div One South