Stoke Ramblers got their season up and running as a goalless draw away at Crewe saw them avoid defeat at the fourth attempt.
The Ramblers were without goalkeeper Rich Glennon(ill), Sheldon(work) and Joe Haynes(hamstring) but put out a strong side and played 5-3-2 in the hope of keeping it tight at the back and keep the game alive after being out of the game after twenty minutes in all three of their previous fixtures.
The game started with the ball flying from end to end and Paul Gallagher went close to opening the scoring when, after a corner was half cleared, he volleyed in an effort from the edge of the box but watched it bounce inches wide of the post whilst another corner saw Mark Mothershaw rise highest at the far post but he couldn't keep his header down.
The Ramblers defence showed great bravery to throw themselves in the way of any danger and were strong in the air and on the floor as they kept the hosts at bay.
The second half saw the far more experienced Crewe gain momentum, with the hosts midfield starting to win the crucial battle in the centre of the park, and with their extra fitness and experience they piled forward time and again but were denied by a resolute Ramblers defence that stuck manfully to their jobs, digging deep to stop the danger but were thankful to the post on one occasion late on when a drilled shot took a slight deflection before the keeper turned the ball onto the woodwork and watched as Dan Heard smashed the loose ball away.