Crawley Town 0 Northwich Victoria 0

Last updated : 09 October 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Crawley Town were left to rue a host of missed chances as they were held to a goalless draw by a battling Northwich Victoria side at the Broadfield Stadium.

The cash-strapped visitors started the match in bottom place and with a minus four points total after having ten points deducted following their move into administration.

But it didn't stop them taking the game to Crawley in the opening stages and almost going in front in the sixth minute.

Vics captain Mark Devlin was left unmarked at a corner and smashed a shot towards goal. It took a deflection off a forest of legs and crept wide.

The let-off sparked Crawley into life and they should have broken the deadlock in the 33rd minute.

Danny Davidson, who had come in for injured top scorer Charlie MacDonald, was sent clear on goal, but saw his shot well-saved at point-blank range by Vics keeper Andy Ralph.

The Reds ended a frustrating half on top and came within inches of taking the lead through a left-foot volley by Allan Tait.

Crawley continued to dominate after the interval but could not convert their possession into clear chances.

The closest they came was when substitute Rob Traynor cut in from the left flank five minutes from time and smashed a 20-yard effort which Ralph did well to hold.