Salisbury held to goalless draw by Beaconsfield

Salisbury’s stuttering start to the year continued with a goalless draw away at Beaconsfield Town on Saturday.

Despite plenty of chances, the Whites could not take any of them, denied by the woodwork several times.

The game started tentatively but sparked into life after 10 minutes when Salisbury were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box following a foul on Wayne Robinson.

Harding took the freekick, which struck the inside of the upright, but Beaconsfield were able to scramble the ball away.

Beaconsfield created their first chance of note eight minutes later, but Daniel Roth shot straight at Josh Gould.

Gould was called into more serious action two minutes later, saving well from Zidan Akers.

Salisbury had a good chance just a couple of minutes later when Harry Williams fired wide from 10 yards out after a scramble in the in the box.

It was Robinson’s turn to hit the woodwork late in the half. He got on the end of a Harding ball into the box, but his effort hit the bar and went over, leaving the scores level at halftime.

Salisbury started the second half brightly and could have scored within the first few minutes. First, Williams saw his angled shot saved by Matthew Rowley in the Beaconsfield goal.

From the resulting corner, Salisbury hit the woodwork again. The ball was played short to Tom Leggett, who arrowed a good ball into the danger area, but Harding’s header hit the bar from close range.

Just after the hour mark, the Beaconsfield goal continued to lead a charmed life. Aaron Simpson fed Harding, whose shot cannoned off the frame of the goal and to safety.

Salisbury dominated the ball, but the home side was always dangerous on the break.

Salisbury didn’t settle for the draw but could not take any of their chances, and Gould and Simpson combined well in the dying embers of the game to deny Beaconsfield a smash-and-grab win.

Next up for Salisbury is the visit of Sholing to the Ray Mac on Saturday. The game is an Armed Forces match, with special offers for serving and veterans.

Tickets can be purchased for the 3 pm kick off on the club’s website – https://salisburyfc.co.uk/tickets/