Grays Athletic

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Grays Athletic 0-0 Rushden & Diamonds

Grays Athletic slipped back into the dreaded drop zone on Tuesday night after playing to a goalless draw against Rushden & Diamonds at the New Recreation Ground.

The visitors started strongly as they looked to make an early breakthrough and almost claimed the lead after five minutes when a brilliant bit of individual skill saw Andy Burgess break into the box.

He juggled the ball past two defenders before unleashing a powerful effort at goal which was parried by Blues goalkeeper Steve Arnold.

They were on the attack again four minutes later when Lee Tomlin squared the ball for Rob Wolleaston but the midfielder's shot was saved by Arnold.

Tomlin was again in the thick of the action on the half-hour mark when he snuck in behind the home defence but fired a shot straight at Arnold, who looked determined to keep a clean sheet.

Stuart Thurgood was working hard for Rushden in the middle of the park but was unable to ignite any significant attacks for his side.

However, the Blues upped their game after the interval and gave the visitors a good run for their money as they attacked their favoured Ball Court End.

Neil Cousins and Michael Rankine both came close for Rushden in the first few minutes after the break and Grays' on-loan forward Andy Pugh was denied by goalkeeper Dale Roberts at the other end.

Pugh had another chance to break the deadlock when through on goal but he fired his effort straight at Roberts.

In the end both teams had to be content with a point apiece, as the respective goalkeepers were just too good to be beaten.

Grays bookings: Cogan, Elliott.

Rushden bookings: Cousins.

Ref: S Ross (Boston).

Att: 695.