Banbury Utd 0, Redditch Utd 0

REDDITCH endured a frustrating start to 2015 as they were held to a goalless draw by the Southern League Premier’s bottom side.

The visitors, who gave a debut to new striker Kyle Turner, enjoyed the better of the chances but failed to find a way past the hosts’ keeper Leigh Bedwell.

Banbury had the first opening when Tom Ryan headed over, but Redditch were soon in control, George Carline the first to test Bedwell with an early header before Liam Spink had a long-range effort fly over the bar.

Simeon Maye found space in behind the Banbury defence on 15 minutes before shooting straight at Bedwell while Leavi Oshunbure, a first half replacement for Maye, also squandered a chance late in the half.

It wasn’t all Redditch however, as Carl Tappin forced Reds’ keeper Sam Hornby into action with a low shot from the edge of the area.

Three minutes after the break, an Ashley Sammons lob left Bedwell stranded but the ball landed on the roof of the net.

Midway through the half, and with Banbury on the back foot, Carline was denied by an excellent double save. And from the resulting corner, Oshungbure fired another effort over the crossbar as the home goal continued to live a charmed life.

Turner, signed from MFL One side Pilkington, had a chance eight minutes from time but, with Bedwell blocking his path, steered his shot the wrong side of the post.

And the final minute almost saw a Leigh Phillips cross almost sneak under the bar, Bedwell doing well to push the wind-assisted effort away.

Reds: Hornby 7, Jones 8, Liburd 7, Spink 7 (Phillips 63, 6), Mutton 7, FLANAGAN 8, Maye 6 (Oshungbure 17, 6), Dinsley 7, Turner 6, Sammons 7 (Caines 90), Carline 7. Subs not used: Catlow, Bridgewater.