In contrast to the last two seasons, there was little festive cheer on offer for the 715 souls who braved the cold at The CNG Stadium this afternoon as both sides struggled to create any meaningful opportunities in a low-key 0-0 draw.

During a game that never really hit the heights, former Lions strike James Walshaw brought two good stops from Steven Drench while Wayne Brooksby’s cross was just too long for Adam Boyes.

The latter also tested Phil Barnes but his shot lacked any power, and Ben Parker went close to converting Brooksby’s cross.

The Lions had an appeal for a penalty turned down after David McGurk appeared to handle while prone on the ground, with Boyes and Rothery in attendance.

Drench was again called into action twice after the break and Andy Holdsworth put a free kick just the wrong side of the post while substitute Andy Johnson tested Barnes late on.

The Lions missed out on the chance to close the gap on Barrow, who lost 3-2 to AFC Fylde, visitors to Nethermoor on Sunday.

Mark Bower post match interview

Danny Hall post-match interview

Team:

1-Steven Drench

2-Andy Holdsworth

3-Ben Parker (C)

4-Danny Lowe

5-Danny Ellis

6-Jake Lawlor

7-Wayne Brooksby

8-Danny Boshell

9-Adam Boyes (Boshell N 82)

10-Oli Johnson (Johnson A 61)

11-Gavin Rothery

12-Jordan Hendrie

14-Nicky Boshell

15Jack Stockdill

16-Alex Johnson

18-Steve Dickinson