Molten Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division London Colney 0 Brimsdown Rovers 0 LONDON Colney secured their first draw of the season with a fine battling display at home to title chasers Brimsdown Rovers at Cotlandswick. The Blueboys had been cr

Molten Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division

London Colney 0 Brimsdown Rovers 0

LONDON Colney secured their first draw of the season with a fine battling display at home to title chasers Brimsdown Rovers at Cotlandswick.

The Blueboys had been crushed 8-1 in the reverse fixture between the sides but defender Paul Swendell made a welcome return to action in a strong-looking defence and Colney defied the odds to keep a clean sheet in the fixture played on Saturday, January 5.

Former Sandridge defender Dave Corran lined up on the left of midfield and came close to reaching a cross from Mark Paradise early on. Cain Davey then struck a rasping drive which narrowly missed the target.

Swendell rescued the Blueboys with a vital clearance as Rovers attempted to assert some pressure. Colney goalkeeper Stuart McHale, called up from the reserves, enjoyed an exceptional game and held the flag kick confidently.

Chris Wickens, Mark Paradise and Chad Morrisey all threatened to break the deadlock for Colney while, at the other end, McHale made a fine stop to deny Mervyn Graham. Brimsdown then wasted a good chance before half time when Ashley Taylor-Forbes lashed a shot over the crossbar from a good position.

In the second half, McHale continued his commanding display to deny the visitors the chance to force Colney back.

Both sides continued to attack and Wickens struck a shot wide after good work from Corran while Tansel Tezel hit the post for Rovers.

McHale made a fine save to push a shot from Andrew Julius wide of the post and, in the final minute, Reece Prestedge capitalised on a defensive mistake to go clear but fired wide as McHale raced off his line.

Swendell played a key role for the rejuvenated Blueboys and, along with the outstanding McHale, veteran midfielder Dave Townsend also caught the eye with an industrious and compact display.

The Blueboys face Hertford Town on Saturday away from home in the Premier Division and then host Kingsbury London Tigers on Tuesday. Both fixtures are in doubt due to the recent rainfall.

London Colney: McHale, McCafferty, Paradise, Muthasamy, Swendell, Townsend, Rickard, Corran, Wickens (T. Morrisey), Davey (Murphy), C. Morrisey. Unused sub: Till.