Harrogate Town 0-0 Gloucester City: Second-placed Town miss chance to close within point of Solihull

Harrogate Town gained ground on National League North leaders Solihull Moors but missed an opportunity to go one point off the top in a goalless draw with Gloucester City at the CNG Stadium.

Solihull's 2-1 defeat at home to Tamworth opened the door for Simon Weaver's men however his side were left frustrated by a stubborn Gloucester.

Brendon Daniels almost stole the points for Town late on with a trademark free-kick but it just cleared the top of the bar.

Town remain in second place in Vanarama National League North with a three point gap to Solihull. They were, however, boosted by results elsewhere in the division with AFC Fylde and North Ferriby United both losing, while Boston United were held to a 1-1 draw.

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In keeping a clean sheet, Town went a fourth match without conceding - their best defensive run since February 2008.

Stockport County striker Richard Brodie was the last man to score past Peter Crook on February 2.

Weaver retained the same starting line-up that demolished FC United of Manchester so convincingly seven days ago, despite the impending suspension of midfielder Warren Burrell.

Burrell was sent off in the first half of the 5-0 win last week but he received the backing of his boss to keep York City loanee Tom Platt on the sidelines.

New signing Luke Foster, who joined Town from National League Premier side Southport on Wednesday, took a place on the substitutes' bench with Weaver maintaining the same defensive set-up that had not conceded in three matches.

And that run continued in a quiet first half against Gloucester, which Town had the best of the possession.

Burrell had a shot saved on nine minutes but goalmouth action was few and far between in the opening half.

Brendon Daniels fired a strike from long distance just wide of the mark soon after the break before Lloyd Kerry's shot was saved.

Kerry had another shot deflected out for a corner as the two sides continued to find it hard to break the deadlock.

However the game sprung to life in the final embers as Town peppered the Gloucester goal before substitute Joe Colbeck fired the final chance over.

Gloucester then had a penalty box scramble of their own but on each occasion, Peter Crook up to the task and produced a wonderful save to deny Lewis Hall.

Daniel almost sent the 802-supporters at the CNG Stadium home happy with a late free-kick but his effort cleared the bar.

Claims for a penalty over a foul on Paul Clayton then went unanswered in injury time as the points were shared.

National League North results (play-off contenders in bold)

Boston 1 - 1 Worcester (1 - 1)

Chorley 2 - 0 Lowestoft(1 - 0)

Corby 1 - 3 Nuneaton(0 - 1)

Curzon 2 - 1 Bradford PA(1 - 1)

Fylde 0 - 1 Alfreton(0 - 1)

Hednesford 0 - 2 Brackley(0 - 2)

Solihull 1 - 2 Tamworth(0 - 2)

Stalybridge 5 - 5 Telford(3 - 2)

Stockport 2 - 0 Gainsborough(1 - 0)

United of Manchester 3 - 2 North Ferriby(0 - 1)