Hindsford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 Old Alts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

HINDSFORD maintained their unbeaten start to the Manchester League and collected a first clean sheet of the season, but were unable to beat Old Alts on Saturday.

Despite enjoying a numerical advantage for 25 minutes, the table-toppers were unable to break down a resolute defence.

Josh Waldeis, Joe Yarwood and Rico Stewart started as Hindsford named a changed side from the previous week.

The hosts started quickly and Tom Stacey appeared to be fouled in the area, only for the referee to wave away the Hindsford protests.

It proved to be the hosts’ best opportunity in the first half, despite Stewart firing off a couple of speculative efforts.

The Tonics enjoyed a majority of the possession following the break, but were unable to get goal side of an organised and resilient defence.

Matt Ince was untroubled in the Hindsford goal and the hosts soon had a numerical advantage as an Old Alts midfielder was penalised for a heavy tackle from behind on Josh Messer.

Asserting his authority on a game that looked like boiling over, the referee showed the Old Alts player a straight red.

Substitute Matt Grimshaw thought he had sealed the points in the dying moments when he headed past a stranded keeper but the referee’s assistant had his flag raised.

Hindsford are on the lookout for a goalkeeper, primarily for the reserves. Contact Jude Obilor on 07969 615883.