Lincoln United drew 0-0 with Market Drayton in a game that produced few chance at The Sun Hat Villas Stadium.
United dominated the start of the game with early shots from Jack McGovern and Andrew Toyne but neither shot tested the goalkeeper.
The Whites could not make their early pressure pay and did not look the same side after Matthew Cotton suffered a leg injury. He was taken to Hospital after 17 minutes.
Market Drayton were convinced they had a penalty midway through the first half when Lyndon Campbell was taken down in the box but the referee disagreed.
Back to back corners for United led to a chance for captain Michael Jacklin at the back post. He should have converted but failed to keep his header down.
United dominated the possession statistics in the first half but could not capitalise.
The best chance of the game came in the 47th minute when Jacklin blasted over the bar from inside the six yard box, it was a golden opportunity and Jacklin should have found the back of the net.
After 50 minutes United had a penalty claim of their own for hand ball. Five minutes later Market Drayton had a similar claim for hand ball but both were turned away by referee Cook.
Market Drayton’s best opportunity came after 59 minutes when a free kick from James O’Neill was saved brilliantly by Sam Vince, who tipped the ball over the bar as it looked to be dipping into the top corner.
Daniel Brooks wasted a good free kick opportunity in the 67th minute when his shot sailed over the bar.
An ambitious Paul Grimes’ volley from 25 yards just cleared the cross bar a few minutes later and was United’s last opportunity to threaten the Market Drayton goal.
Simon Everall broke through the Whites defence with ten minutes left but was denied by a good save from Vince.
Market Drayton’s O’Neill was booked in added time. Christopher Hall broke free of the defence and was hacked to the floor by O’Neill but neither side threatened the ‘keepers in the last 10 minutes.
United lacked fire power up front as a few players were missing through injury but the defence performed well and kept a clean sheet.
Attendance: 246
After the game, Lincoln United manager, Dave Frecklington said:
“It was a poor performance in terms of quality. They (Market Drayton) came looking for a point.
“The clean sheet was pleasing. Defensively we were brilliant, the work rate was always there.
“In games like this you need that little bit of quality in possession which we didn’t have today. On another day we could have won two or three nil.”