Goalkeeping heroics from Zac Barrett, inspired defending from the City’s back line and a committed display from the midfield and strikers were not enough to secure all three points for the Lilywhites.
 
Just as City appeared to have weathered the considerable storm that Nuneaton threw their way, a goal of some controversy meant that the points had to be shared. Even so, the Lilywhites can be proud that they have stretched their unbeaten run to five with a blood and guts performance against a feisty Nuneaton team who themselves had suffered just one defeat this season.

Neil Midgley moves forward

Gary Roberts gave John Frendo a start at the expense of Stephen Smith, otherwise retaining the same starting eleven that drew at Halesowen on Wednesday evening.
 
With the pitch looking in fine order and a decent crowd swollen by a good traveling contingent, all was set fair for a competitive tussle between two sides that have made useful starts to the season.
 
The Lilywhites almost made the perfect start on just 30 seconds when John Frendo’s shot was saved by keeper Neil Collett’s legs, the ball falling to Ashley Fuller who blasted over. The momentum was with the home side in the first fifteen minutes and it was entirely with the run of play when Fuller intercepted Chris Dillon’s pass, ran hard at the defence before playing a neat one-two with Frendo.  The wide man made no mistake with a scorching shot that beat Collett with ease on 14 minutes.
 
Meanwhile, Nuneaton barely mustered an attack of note, Simon Forsdick’s ballooned shot being their best effort in the first fifteen minutes.
 
However, being a goal behind put some zip into the visitors. Zac Barrett had to be on his toes to cover Justin Marsden’s snap shot on 21 minutes that had the City keeper scrambling to save a goal-bound effort. With Paul Spacey gaining more influence in the Nuneaton midfield, City found themselves living off scraps. Their best effort came on 32 when Neil Midgley managed to turn the ball back to Fuller whose low drive was saved by Collett.
 
The final five minutes of the half saw Nuneaton build up a real head of steam, with an equaliser threatening at almost any time. Only a combination of last-ditch tackling, the woodwork and wayward finishing saved the Lilywhites. It was with some relief when referee Adrian Sannerude blew for half time to give the home team some much needed respite
 
The second half started in much the same way as the first ended but with credit to the Lilywhites their defence remained secure – the centre pairing of Lee Chaffey and Laurie Stewart outstanding all afternoon - and their midfield quick enough to attack on the break. On 63 minutes, City broke quickly, Frendo releasing James Krause down the by-line, his cross narrowly evading the City forwards. Two minutes later, Chaffey found himself in the opposition penalty area and on the end of cross which he chested and volleyed over.

Ash Fuller celebrates his goal

But it was Nuneaton who were to dominate the next passage of play. On 72 minutes keeper Barrett was adjudged to have fouled Spacey, receiving a yellow card. Should it have been a red? Yes, according to the howling away fans behind Barrett’s goal. The referee thought differently and the keeper stayed on and enhanced his reputation as a penalty saver when he pushed Kyle Storer’s effort around the post to safety.
 
Still Nuneaton attacked and still City defended in depth. The Lilywhites have Stewart to thank for his headed goal line clearance to deny an equaliser on 79 minutes. Three minutes later Barrett once again showed his skill when he dived full-length to deny James Armson to pull off the save of the afternoon. But Nuneaton were not to be denied. However, when their goal came, it was under controversial circumstances. Three minutes from the end the ball was floated over the City defence where two Nuneaton players appeared to be at least a yard offside. Both hesitated momentarily but sprang back to life as the flag stayed down, Armson nipping in to equalise.
 
With the wind in their sails and the possibility of time added on, there was time for Nuneaton to press for all three points. However, Frendo thought differently and almost secured all the points for City when his curling shot thumped against the bar and bounced to safety to leave the scores level.
 
Two points dropped or a point gained? City had their chances – Frendo’s two best efforts book-ended the game and had either gone in, the game was City’s. But Nuneaton pressed hard, played with attacking intention and deserved a goal. It was a shame, however, that when it came it appeared to be offside. Perhaps a draw was a fair result, despite how it was achieved.
 
This was whole-hearted display from an energetic City side who found themselves up against a well organised team. Special credit must be paid to the heroics of the back four and keeper who did exceptionally well to repel an eager Nuneaton side.