Evo-stik Southern League

BANBURY United missed the chance to go third as they were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Hemel Hempstead at Spencer Stadium on Saturday.

But it could have been worse for Banbury had the woodwork not come to their rescue on two occasions.

Hemel’s Scott Fitzgerald was the first to miss out when his shot glanced the outside of a post before bouncing away to safety.

Banbury’s Andy Kemp was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first half.

He saved well from Lewis Toomey and twice from Liam Malone.

In the second half, Banbury again had Kemp to thank as he got his fingertips to a shot from Toomey to deflect the ball onto the inside of a post.

The home side were relieved to see the rebound run across the face of goal and away to safety.

The final 20 minutes saw Banbury look to get on top.

Hemel keeper Nick Bussey did well to clear a Simeon Williams effort from just under the bar, while Will Green flashed a shot just wide.

Banbury Utd: Kemp, Williams, Polk (Kingston 64), Thackeray, Kinch, Hitchcox, Stanbridge (Youngs 77), Coleman, Green, Woodley (Herbert 79), Walker. Subs not used: Travers, Dowling.

Attendance: 316.