Match Report
Ryman League: Division One South
 Horsham YMCA 0 |
 Fleet Town 0 |
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| Source:West Sussex County Times |
BATTLING Horsham YMCA earned a well deserved point against high flying Fleet Town in a goalless draw.
Manager John Suter commented: "We played as well as we've done all season and it was a hard earned point and a well deserved one.
"It was a very good game."
The visitors made a positive start and had the better first half - creating Opportunities.
Steve Noakes had an effort go wide and Jermaine Hamilton smacked the YM bar.
Suter conceded: "They enjoyed the greater possession for the first 30 minutes and posed more of a threat."
Ellis Hooper had YM's best chance when he headed a free-kick just wide but they didn't produce much in an attacking sense.
On the stroke of half time Michael Douglas had a good chance when he raced away but Glen Woodburn defended magnificently to keep him at bay and ensure the two sides went in level at the break.
"After the first half an hour we battled our way back into contention," remarked the boss.
"It was end-to-end in the second half with chances created by both teams."
Dean Ruddy had a superb game in between the sticks for YM, making crucial saves after the interval, one at full stretch down by his right hand post and the other from point blank range.
However the home side went close on numerous occasions as well.
Andy Ottley - who had a cracking game, especially when moved up front when YM switched from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 - galloped away but shot too early and the keeper saved at the second time of asking.
He also had a rasper go flying inches over from 25 yards.
His brother, Matt Ottley, did beat the keeper but saw his header hacked off the line.
Scott Kirkwood was a fraction away from connecting with Andy Ottley's cross and struck wide of the target.
But it was Fleet that nearly won it late on.
Darren Campbell came off the bench and caused havoc out wide, from one of his crosses Eddie Smith hit the side netting when he should have done better with ten minutes to go.
In the last minute Ruddy had to be alert again, getting down excellently, to claim a clean sheet.
"We defended very well, they threw a lot at us and we held firm," commented Suter.
"We were pleased to get a 0-0 draw with the league leaders - we competed and knocked the ball around well at times."
YM (4-3-3): Ruddy; Garden, Woodburn, M Ottley, Levett; Hooper,White, Kirkwood; Greenfield (Grant 60), Davis (Massaro 87), A Ottley.