Greenalls PSO 0 Crewe FC 0

GREENALLS picked up only their second league point since October after failing to take control of a hard-fought match against Cheshire Football League Division One leaders Crewe.

Neither side started fluently, with the first chance from either side not appearing until 20 minutes in, when Craig Hoyland’s shot drifted harmlessly wide.

Glen Percival’s long-range effort was much more threatening, but Crewe keeper Wes Newton was equal to the task and tipped it over the bar.

Robbie Hanley then thought he had broken the deadlock only to have the goal ruled out for offside, which marked the start of Crewe’s improving performance.

But though they improved Crewe did not look like runaway league leaders and PSO will be frustrated they were not able to make the most of their frequent chances.

Craig Hoyland in particular had the beating of his man and his foray up the wing and cross produced what Greenalls thought was the match-winning chance from Hanley, only for the linesman’s flag to spoil the party yet again.

A late Newton double save, first from Lee Vaughan’s shot and again from Danny Topping’s header, ended the host’s chances of a winner and Greenalls’ blushes were spared when PJ Hudson’s late cross flashed past Nathan Southern.

PSO’s hunt for their first league win in nearly two months continues against Whaley Bridge on Saturday, kick off 2pm.

Greenalls: Craig Clare, Neil Sutch, Gareth Johns (Chris Rogers), Alex Hardman, Joe Woods, Danny Topping, Glen Percival, Mark Hughes (c), Lee Hughes (Lee Vaughan), Craig Hoyland, Robbie Hanley.