Halifax Town 0 Morecambe 0

Last updated : 09 January 2006 By Footymad Previewer
Defender Matt Doughty came closest to breaking the deadlock in this televised top of the table clash played just 24 hours before one of the most important nights in Halifax Town's recent history.

Doughty pounced on a loose ball nine minutes from time and raced goalwards unchallenged to hit a thunderous 20-yard drive that keeper Steven Drench did well to tip over the bar.

Halifax, who still possess the only unbeaten home record in the Conference, had few other clear-cut chances in a match they dominated - ensuring Town missed the chance to go above Morecambe and into third place.

The home side played a more expansive game than usual for the benefit of Sky TV viewers with in-form Rory Prendergast delivering several teasing crosses in each half that were not converted.

The visitors attacked on the break but also struggled to find a finishing touch in the box. The Shrimps' best chance came on 55 minutes when Danny Carlton tested Halifax keeper Adam Legzdins with a powerful near post shot after he latched on to Michael Twiss' throughball.

In the first half, John Grant went close for Halifax when he expertly controlled Lewis Killeen's neat lay-off from Prendergast's chipped cross on 24 minutes - but the striker's drilled low shot was saved by Drench.

The match also featured a half-time protest led by the Shay Stadium manager Jeff Butler to highlight a Calderdale Metropolitan Council vote on the venue's future on Tuesday night.

Councillors want to sell The Shay possibly for residential development and distraught fans were encouraged by Mr Butler to wave placards in protest at the council's proposal.