Blues grind out goalless draw
AFC Sudbury 0 Arlesey Town 0 Arlesey have never lost at the Kings Marsh Stadium and the trend continued last Saturday when the sides fought out a dour goalless draw. The downside for the visitors was that seven of their players were booked mainly for pe
AFC Sudbury 0 Arlesey Town 0
Arlesey have never lost at the Kings Marsh Stadium and the trend continued last Saturday when the sides fought out a dour goalless draw.
The downside for the visitors was that seven of their players were booked mainly for petulance, proving yet again that the wisest policy is not to get cross but to get even.
Kicking the ball away and querying the decisions certainly kept referee Mr Reeve and his notebook busy.
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Defenders Shane Brown and Tawid Junjea were still injured while Ricky Case was unavailable. Things got worse for Arlesey in the 10th minute when James Dilnutt was forced out of the action.
This forced a reshuffle with Ryan Francis coming on up front and giving Luke Gregson the chance to take up his favoured midfield berth.
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Sudbury were the first to create anything of note when a corner by Heath was gathered at the second attempt by James Russell but both sides were struggling to create chances.
The clearest opportunity fell to Arlesey when Craig Reynolds delivered a cross from the left and Richard Pringle missed the target with a free header.
The home side had appeals for a penalty turned down following a goalmouth scramble and, at the other end, a Lee Allen free-kick was too hot for home keeper Gould but the rebound was hacked away before James Gould could pounce.
After the break Osborne robbed Clarke to force Gould off his line to smother the ball. The main home threat was coming from Bussens on the right wing and one of his crosses caused chaos in the Blues defence but they just about managed to crowd out Howells.
In the 75th minute Sudbury striker Hawes broke clear only for James Russell to produce a fine save. The home striker was again thwarted when the Arlesey 'keeper produced another excellent stop.
The visitors almost took the points in injury time but they were prevented when home keeper Gould got lucky. Francis hit a low shot that went under his body only to be stopped from entering the net by his backside.
An encounter of few chances played out in front of the lowest Sudbury attendance of the season and in typical fashion Arlesey produce points against the best but fail to take advantage against clubs they should beat.
Blues: Russell, Waldron, Dillnut, Moran, Allen, Facey-Clark, Gregson, Osborne, Pringle, Reynolds. Subs: Francis, Kimani, Beaumont, Gutzmore.
Attendance: 188
