City boss Billy McEwan included nine new players in his line-up with only keeper Chris Porter and midfielder Darren Dunning remaining from last season. Visitors Crawley also included several new signings so it was no surprise that both teams started quietly with little to excite the crowd.
City's best chance in the first period came when on-loan striker Darren Mansaram turned his marker with his back to goal but his shot from an accute angle struck the outside of the far post.
Crawley posed little threat up front, but striker Steve Burton was unlucky to see his 12-yard effort beat the advancing Porter only for the ball to slip agonisingly wide of the far post.
After the break City moved forward with greater threat and created several good chances. In the 48th minute, Nathan Peat's left-wing cross found Mark Convery but his glancing header flashed a foot wide.
Convery then turned provider crossing from the right but defender Dave Woozley headed clear as Clayton Donaldson ghosted in at the far post.
Crawley had four players booked including Woozley who hauled Mansaram to the ground as the striker outpaced the defender chasing a long ball down the middle. From the resultant free-kick Convery's shot cleared the wall and went inches over the bar.
In the closing moments substitute Bryan Stewart shot across goal and Convery slid in at the far post but scooped his effort wide. Then in the 90th minute, Donaldson's clever cross-cum-shot from the left wing was tipped over by Phil Smith with what was the first save either keeper had been forced to make.
City's best chance in the first period came when on-loan striker Darren Mansaram turned his marker with his back to goal but his shot from an accute angle struck the outside of the far post.
Crawley posed little threat up front, but striker Steve Burton was unlucky to see his 12-yard effort beat the advancing Porter only for the ball to slip agonisingly wide of the far post.
After the break City moved forward with greater threat and created several good chances. In the 48th minute, Nathan Peat's left-wing cross found Mark Convery but his glancing header flashed a foot wide.
Convery then turned provider crossing from the right but defender Dave Woozley headed clear as Clayton Donaldson ghosted in at the far post.
Crawley had four players booked including Woozley who hauled Mansaram to the ground as the striker outpaced the defender chasing a long ball down the middle. From the resultant free-kick Convery's shot cleared the wall and went inches over the bar.
In the closing moments substitute Bryan Stewart shot across goal and Convery slid in at the far post but scooped his effort wide. Then in the 90th minute, Donaldson's clever cross-cum-shot from the left wing was tipped over by Phil Smith with what was the first save either keeper had been forced to make.