Whitby Town work hard to secure a point at title-chasers Hednesford
Whitby Town had to settle for a hard-earned point on the road as they played out a goalless draw with Hednesford Town, in a game where defensive resilience and goalkeeping excellence proved the difference for the Seasiders.
Gary Liddle made two changes to the side from Town's previous outing, a 3-1 defeat at Hebburn Town, with Ben Farrar and Alex Nelson drafted into the starting XI in place of Adam Gell and Nathan McGinley.
And from the off, it was clear Whitby would need to be organised and patient against a Hednesford side keen to impose themselves at Keys Park where they have lost just once all season. A win could have taken them back to the summit of the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division table.
The opening exchanges were fairly even in terms of possession, but the first real moment of danger came after ten minutes when Ollie Harrison met a free-kick delivered from just inside the Whitby half. Rising well, Harrison directed his header over the bar, offering an early warning of the hosts’ aerial threat, particularly from defender Harrison who had been in amongst the goals of late.
Hednesford continued to probe and nearly broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Ahkeem Rose tried his luck from distance, chipping the ball towards goal with Isaac Allan off his line, only to see it land on the roof of the net.
Four minutes later, Whitby’s goalkeeper was called firmly into action. Montel Gibson latched onto a loose ball inside the area, but Allan reacted superbly, spreading himself and getting a crucial hand to the ball at Gibson’s feet to deny a certain goal before the rebound was lashed wide from range.
Whitby did have moments going forward of their own. On 26 minutes, Layton Watts showed quick feet to turn sharply on the edge of the box, flashing an effort narrowly wide of the post.