Play-off rivals can’t be separated in engrossing Twerton Park clash

City and play-off rivals Weymouth played out a close-fought goalless draw at Twerton Park this afternoon. In front of nearly 2000 supporters neither side could find a winning goal despite creating several good openings, particularly during the second 45 minutes. The first half was a more cagey affair, with a Tom Smith shot straight at Terras keeper Ward and a McCarthy shot that Harvey Wiles-Richards – in for injured no.1 Ryan Clarke – pushed over the bar, the best effort either team could fashion. An early change for Smith after the interval saw Ward deflect his shot wide and then McQuoid made room for a shot but failed to really trouble Wiles-Richards. On 72 minutes Ryan Brunt was desperately unlucky not to give City the lead when his header hit the foot of the post. The ball rebounded to the striker but he scuffed his shot into the hands of the relieved goalkeeper. City then suffered a blow when Joe Raynes was stretchered off with a serious looking leg injury. Smith saw a late free-kick flash inches wide of the goal with Ward beaten but with Weymouth also threatening on a couple of occasions a draw was the right result, leaving both sides plus Slough Town on 60 points, in a three-way battle for third place in the Vanarama National League South table.