Stockton Town made it 12 games unbeaten with a goalless draw at Dunston.
The Anchors had been held to a goalless draw at home to Liversedge last Saturday, while Dunston had beaten Cleethorpes 3-1 to move up into third.
Manager Michael Dunwell handed debuts to goalkeeper Nathan Harker and left-back Joshua Baggs.
Just before the quarter hour mark Stockton almost had the opener when Michael Fowler rounded Dan Staples and played it back for Glen Butterworth but the Dunston dealt with it well.
At the other end, Harker was sharp off his line to deny David Robinson who was played through.
Baggs almost marked his debut with a goal when the ball dropped out to him but he struck it narrowly wide.
Lewis King was having a strong game and he got adventurous as he received a through ball which he knocked wide.
Kev Hayes was also trying to cause danger. He cut inside and fired it over the target.
Half Time: Dunston 0-0 Stockton Town
In the second half both sides came close to finding a winner.
Maskell was played in and he was denied by a great save from Harker.
Then Nicholson headed Maskell’s goalbound effort onto the bar.
Nicholson then came close at the opposite end when he headed narrowly wide from Kev Hayes freekick. .
Cam Painter’s introduction added some further energy to the Stockton midfield. He hustled to win the ball back before he struck wide.
Minutes later he had another chance which he curled over the bar from outside the box.
Both teams had one final opportunity to take the points. Maskell diverted the ball just wide from a right wing cross.
Finally, Baggs was denied by an excellent save from Staples after he made a strong connection with a cross.
Full-Time: Dunston 0-0 Stockton Town
Dunston: Staples, Baxter, McDonald, Turnbull, King, Walker, Coulson (Lamb 71′), M.Pearson, Maskell, Robinson, D.Pearson (Carr 81′)
Unused subs: Chrisp, Djalo, Swailes
Stockton Town: Harker, King, Baggs, Henry, Nicholson, Coulthard, Hayes, Butterworth, Fowler, Thompson (Painter 65′), M.Roberts (Sweet 69′)
Unused subs: Portas, D.Mulligan, C.Roberts
Attendance:Â 451
Words: James Cartwright
Photo: Harry Cook
