WORCESTER City kicked off 2015 with a battling point at Hednesford Town on New Year’s Day (Thursday).
Chances were few and far between in the 0-0 stalemate as two of the Conference North’s meanest defences and least potent attacks played out their first encounter of the calendar year.
The Pitmen had the better of a game played in difficult conditions, but failed to do enough to breach Jose Veiga’s goal as both sides remain in mid-table.
As they did at Tamworth, City saw plenty of the ball in the first period but lacked the final killer pass to split open the hosts’ back line open.
The deadlock was almost broken, however, in fortuitous circumstances when Ben Bailey’s cross was held up in the wind before landing on the top of Veiga’s bar, who had kept his place ahead of the injured Nathan Vaughan.
A similar pattern emerged in the second period with neither side able to find a way through, but Hednesford were growing into the game and thought they had taken the lead after 69 minutes.
Richard Batchelor bundled home from a corner but the linesman had already flagged before the ball crossed the line to curtail any Town joy.
Wayne Thomas had appeals for a penalty waved away when he appeared to be held back in the box, but it would have been harsh on the hosts who will feel they did enough to claim all three points.
City are next in action at home to Guiseley on Sunday (January 4).