Draw may prove valuable

The point may prove valuable for Red Lion as leaders FC Badger went down 2-0 at home to Birdholme Club, who moved into second place ahead of Red Lion.

Badger remained top, despite their loss.

Although lacking goals, the clash between Butchers Arms and Red Lion was an enthralling encounter.

There was some good box-to-box football played by two excellent teams, who had many candidates for the man-of-the-match award among their ranks.

The early pressure came from Butchers, who tested visiting keeper Adam Brear on a couple of occasions.

It looked like the ball would get away from the visiting number one, but he stood firm to the test.

The best chance of the half fell to the home side after just five minutes when Mark Woods failed to connect convincingly in a one-on-one challenge with Brear.

The first half saw both sides have periods of play that looked threatening, but neither side could find the final touch in front of goal.

Just past the hour mark Red Lion threatened.

Daniel Sharpe provided a cross for Carl White, who fired just wide .

Moments later it was Chris Cave for the visitors who carved out a chance to get a shot away from the edge of the box, which again fell agonisingly wide.

At the other end Butchers were far from subdued and with seven minutes remaining their best chance of the second half fell close-in to Lee Whetton.

He managed to get a shot away, only for Brear in the Red Lion goal to deflect the effort away to safety with his legs.

Red Lion have 22 points from 12 games, two behind Birdholme but with a game in hand.

Badger lead with 25 points from 12 matches.

Butchers Arms are fourth with 21 points.