Stockton Town were made to settle for a point as they were held to a goalless draw on the road at Leek Town.
Words by James Cartwright
Photo by Harry Cook
The Anchors headed into the game just outside the Play-Offs after Gainsborough had moved ahead of them with a midweek win over Leek.
Michael Dunwell named three changes to his Starting XI. Owen Gallacher returned from suspension, while Michael Sweet and Jamie Bramwell came in to replace the injured Jake Petitjean and Ryan Barrett.
Leek started brightly in the opening exchanges and had the game’s first chance when Ollie Shenton’s low volley was turned aside by Nathan Harker.
Moments later they went close again as Adam Nicholson had to hook away an inviting cross.
Stockton worked their way into the game but could only produce half chances. Kev Hayes a low effort comfortably held by Dino Visser. Then the South African shot-stopper had to firm his gloves to prevent a rifle from Stephen Thompson inside the box.
The Anchors had their best chance when Josh Scott was found in the box but he got the ball stuck under his feet and had a shot saved at the angle by Visser.
Half-Time: Leek Town 0-0 Stockton Town.
The stasis of the game remained the same for the second half. The Anchors continued to have half chances, Hayes had a strike deflected into Visser just before the hour mark.
For Leek, they had a long distance freekick kept out by Harker.
Stockton made changes as Vinnie Steels returned from his loan spell at Bishop Auckland, and later Amar Purewal returned from his injury lay off.
Five minutes after coming Purewal headed wide from Scott’s.
In the stoppage time, Lewis King could have been the hero. First he had a strike which whistled wide of the target. Then his flicked header inside the six-yard box struck the crossbar.
Full-Time: Leek Town 0-0 Stockton Town
A frustrating afternoon for Stockton who couldn’t find a goal, next week is a huge game as FC United of Manchester visit the MAP Group UK Stadium.
