Ringmer AFC delighted to hold leaders Godalming
Ringmer AFC extended their unbeaten run to seven matches as they nullified SCFL Division 1 leaders Godalming Town to secure a 0-0 draw.
In a game where chances were scarce, a moist and uneven surface at the Bill Kyte Stadium blunted both teams.
Godalming came the closest of either side with a first-half header which struck the crossbar and a flurry of second-half efforts well saved by new Blues goalkeeper Stefanos Akras.
Ringmer could be hugely satisfied with their work, however, as they became the fourth side this season to take any points away from a trip to the title favourites.
Due to holidays and Valentine's Day commitments, Ringmer were without several key players for the trip.
Four changes from their 2-1 win over Selsey in January saw an entire spine of players - Ben Taylor, Ryan Doyle, Lamin Sey and Fraser Argyle - drop out.
They were replaced by Greek debutant Akras, the returning Ellis Webster and Rhys Taylor, and - making his first senior start - 17-year-old Oscar Morris.
Despite a dry week leading up to the match, the surface was still unpredictable, and both teams had to throw away their game plans.
Godalming had the majority of the ball but struggled to break Ringmer’s lines, with centre-backs Charlie Northeast and George Maybury orchestrating superbly.
Whenever they could, Ringmer skipped forward through unorthodox striker George Coleman, the sprightly Morris and the skilful Leon Turner but were met with a physical G's backline.
Set-pieces looked like the best route to goal, and so it almost proved when a Godalming corner was flicked onto the crossbar, only for the chance to be booted well clear.
At the other end, Ringmer’s biggest chance saw Jamie Blackford take aim from 25 yards and uncharacteristically blaze over the bar.
Encouraged by their performance, Ringmer were more positive after the break. Coleman, Morris and Turner all had better openings, but with Godalming defenders Rob Parrott and Elliot Creeley policing the box, it remained hard to produce shots on target.
Akras had to be alert to save a couple of Godalming chances, with one taking a big deflection off Maybury and being well saved. By the late stages, both sides recognised they had been tamed.
Ringmer return to the Caburn Community Ground this Saturday, welcoming 5th-placed Billingshurst (3pm).
Ringmer AFC: Akras, Simpson, Sewell, Maybury, Northeast (C), Webster, Turner (Ashwood, 64'), Blackford, Coleman, O. Morris, Taylor (Coleman-Standen, 74')