AFC Sudbury were able to hold title-chasing Halesowen to a goalless draw, thanks to some fantastic defensive performances and saves from James Bradbrook.

The Suds lined up Bradbrook, Lewis, Henshaw, Dickens, Miles, Peters, Turner, Cowling, Neal, Pearce, Isaacson. Subs: Arnold, Bradley, Page, Okeh, Terminiello

Sudbury started the better of the two sides as Joe Neal saw his shot well saved by Dan Platt after some neat play. The visitors nearly took the lead but were denied after James Bradbrook saved from very close range, after a powerful effort from Connor Tee. Not long after, Bradders made another fantastic save, this time denying league top scorer Kieran Donnelly with his fingertips.

Inside two minutes of the second half, Halesowen had a huge chance to take the lead after Bradders saved a powerful shot from Tee, which bounced into the path of Donnelly, who hit his effort way over the bar from inside the six-yard box. McKauley Manning then went close for "The Yeltz" as his shot rattled the post. Sudbury had their best chance as the ball lined up nicely for Myles Cowling, but he could only hit his shot just over the bar. In the closing moments, Tee had a shot deflected, which wrong footed Bradbrook but bounced just wide.

A much better performance than we have seen in recent weeks, and the fans were superb, with some new faces behind the goal that made lots of noise. The result means that AFC Sudbury stay in 19th place, in the relegation zone, two points off safety in the 18th place where Lowestoft sit. Halesowen stay fourth, and are three points off new league leaders AFC Telford United.

UP THE SUDS.

By Isaac Mennie