Vanarama National League North: Brackley Town 0 Bradford Park Avenue 0

AVENUE'S relegation battle at Brackley Town ended all-square after a goalless draw but it was Avenue who were the winners in the table.

The point that Martin Drury’s side earned from their long trip down south lifted them up one place to 15th and extended their cushion above the trapdoor to four points.

But it was bad news for the Saints as they slipped to 19th following AFC Telford United’s 1-0 win at promotion- chasing Harrogate Town.

It was more of a bore draw than an entertaining scoreless draw as both clubs felt the pressure of their lowly positions, with Brackley now immediately above the drop zone.

The Saints made a bright start, however, and Avenue keeper Jon Stewart was left treading on eggshells after picking up an early yellow card.

The shot-stopper raced out of his area and was penalised as he fouled Brackley striker David Moyo.

Avenue were struggling defensively in the early stages but had a muted penalty appeal when a Craig King cross was deflected into what Avenue claimed was an arm.

They had another chance to test the Saints’ defence midway through the half but Richard Marshall’s free-kick came back off the wall.

But they were under the cosh again for the remainder of the first half as Moyo headed wide, a Glenn Walker shot was parried by Stewart, and Moyo hit a dipping volley just over the bar.

King was injured just before the break, and while Bradford were down to ten men as the winger was treated for a cut just above his eye, Brackley forced another two chances, with Stewart saving a low shot from Matt Lowe and Curtis McDonald planting a header off target after Avenue skipper Simon Ainge had conceded a cheap corner.

King didn’t reappear after the interval, Danny Schofield replacing him, but the second period followed a similar pattern to the first, with few clear-cut chances.

Brackley substitute Tom Winters had a free-kick in a promising position following a foul by Avenue centre back Billy Priestley on Walker but hit it into the defensive wall.

Schofield had Avenue’s best chance of winning it with a good shot from outside the area but it went just over.

Chib Chilaka and substitute Callum Chippendale had half-chances late on as the visitors finished the stronger.

Avenue are back in action tonight when they host Ossett Albion in a West Riding County Cup semi-final.

Silsden and Harrogate Town contest the other semi-final on Thursday.