Banbury Utd 0

Bedford Tn 0

Banbury United were left to rue the lack their lack of firepower again as they were held to a goalless draw by Bedford Town in the Premier Division at Spencer Stadium in the Zamaretto Southern league.

The Puritans dominated against a poor Bedford side, who had set their stall out for a point.

However, the draw saw Banbury maintain their unbeaten home record and increase their undefeated run to nine games as they moved into the play-off places.

Bedford had the first chance, but Jamie Cole shot high and wide.

Then Banbury’s Declan Benjamin beat Mike Armitt with a drive that went the wrong side of a post.

Puritans skipper Nathan Haisley went on an individual run through the Eagles defence, but poked his shot just wide with Armitt beaten.

Adam Learoyd sent a header wide as Banbury remained well on top.

A great move through the Bedford defence gave United the best chance of the game when Benjamin was foiled by a fine save from Armitt, following good approach work from Howard Forinton and Jason Taylor.

With seconds left before half-time, Banbury had a good shout for a penalty when Taylor was upended by Rod Miller a yard inside the penalty area, but the referee waived the appeals away.

Three minutes into the second half, a Jack Ashton corner from the right was flicked over Armitt by Forinton, only to come back off the crossbar, and Haisley put the rebound over the top.

Ben Milner then beat Armitt, but his angled effort was deflected for another corner.

Banbury piled on the pressure to no avail as Bedford rode their luck.

Even when Benjamin was floored in the penalty area following a great run from midfield, nothing was given, and when Taylor was decked for the second time in the area, the referee again allowed play to continue.

Joe Coleman almost broke the deadlock in injury time when he tried a curling effort from the right which just evaded the far post. But it just wasn’t to be for Banbury.

Banbury Utd: Murrell, Redknap (Stanbridge 69), Martin, Milner, Learoyd, Haisley, Coleman, Benjamin, Forinton, Taylor, Ashton. Subs not used: Stringfellow, Livous, Foster.

Attendance: 348.