Chelmsford edged another step closer to Dr Martens Premier safety with a useful point at Crawley Town.
The hosts looked the most likely to break through in a lively first half with former Aldershot striker Jamie Taylor a constant menace to the City backline.
Keith Sharman was returning to his former employers, and looked intent on putting on a good show back at Broadfield with some firm play between defence and midfield.
Crawley pressed for the majority of the half and looked to have scored on 31 minutes when Jon Timlin's shot rebounded off of Paul Nicholl's post. Taylor followed up but was the referee claimed offside and the goal was disallowed.
At the other end, Lewis Reid spun into the box to feed Austin Berkley who miskicked at the crucial moment.
The second half offered chances for Crawley's Nigel Brake and Nic McDonnell but Chelmsford held firm, eager to avoid the Reds completing a league double following a 2-1 home reverse at New Lodge earlier in the season.
Counter-attacks were left to the speedy Dale Watkins, but he was comfortably snuffed out by defensive pairing Ellis Hooper and Marc Pullan as the half wore on.
Crawley thought they had won the game in the closing stages when Hockton looked to have registered against his old club. But referee Tincknell ruled that Sharman had been fouled in the build-up and City were happy to hold on for a point that puts them that bit closer to safety.
Published Monday, April 21, 2003
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