BRIGHOUSE Town secured a respectable 0-0 draw against newly-promoted Football League side Harrogate Town in a pre-season friendly at the Yorkshire Payments Stadium.

With 150 fans allowed back through the turnstiles, they eagerly awaited a chance to see former striker Aaron Martin who has had a remarkable rise through the leagues.

The lethal striker netted 30 times in his last season at Brighouse which led to a move to Guiseley. 16 goals in under 20 appearances for the Lions earned him a move to Harrogate in March.

The League Two team had the better of the opening exchanges with ex-Bradford City striker Jon Stead testing the Northern Premier League Division One North West side's keeper.

Vill Powell's men nearly broke the deadlock with a superb 30-yard strike from Jack Boyle. Joe Cracknell tipping over to deny the young midfielder.

In a much-changed second period, new Harrogate signing Tom Walker fired over the bar. Martin appeared from the bench in the 77th-minute, but he couldn't prevent the match ending goalless.

A delighted Powell told the club's website: "It wasn't a boring 0-0. We raised our game to their level.

"We have always got to find a way to get a result, no matter who the opposition is. That is what they have done.

"It was an even game in terms of chances and work rate. They brought an experience team. It was pleasing to get a clean sheet against a top team.

"If you can't win it, you don't get beat. It was two teams going toe-to-toe."