Skenfrith United 0 Orleton 0

SKENFRITH United boss Paul Brown is hoping his side can maintain the same tight drilled performance they put up against a strong Orleton side on Saturday for the rest of the campaign.

Brown was more than pleased with a United clean sheet, after a uncomforting run of defeats in recent weeks.

His men held at bay Ben Atley, one of the division's most prolific goal scorers, who bagged 40 goals last term, courtesy of some razor sharp defending.

"Orleton are a tough, well organised team and the best side we have played this season. "It was a result we badly needed, if anything to stop the rot. We were rocking a little bit, but we had a chat before the game, put our concerns to them and told them to play as a unit and enjoy the game. They did just that and produced a solid performance.

"I'd say we had about 70 percent of possession, so it was a bit disappointing we didn't take our chances.

"We were solid, though, and that was the main thing. We coped with a string striker force and did a good job on the field," he said.

Brown praised his central defenders Ian Jones and Gerry Pound who were as solid as a rock despite Orleton's fire power.

Jones earned the man of the match award, alongside fellow Skennie player Kevin Acton who was as consistent as ever.

Keeper and co-manager Ian Jenkins did his part in keeping the Orleton goal chasers at bay with a string of world class sides.

David Byrom had plenty of chances to find the winner up the other end, but luck wasn't on his side. Nor was good fortune smiling on midfielder Richard McDonald, who's blistering 30-yard belter was held by Orleton's keeper.

United did manage to put one into the Orleton net, but Mark Diamond's effort was disallowed.

"What pleased me more that anything in this game was that the boys were much more focused. We knuckled down right from the start.

"Everyone was there early and they all had their eyes firmly on the match ahead. We were switched on right from the start and that was key to the result," said a delighted Brown.

Saturday's fine 0-0 draw was made all the more inspiring by the fact United were missing two of their key players, Mick Davidson and David Elias.

Though, Davidson could be back for this weekend's tie at Burghill on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm, though Brown warned after Saturday's display no-one has the right to walk straight back into the side.

"The side is a lot more settled now and the squad is full of good players, so no-one will walk right back into the team by right. They have to earn their place for the jersey," said Brown.