Gresley Rovers 0 - 0 City

Cambridge City secured an opening day point as they recorded a 0-0 draw at Gresley Rovers.

Lilywhites boss Robbie Nightingale handed debuts to summer signings Ed Rolph and Ben Nolan. Whilst Louis Chadwick was on the team sheet after being drafted in as a replacement goalkeeper after regular stopper Joe Welch got injured in the final pre-season outing at AFC Sudbury.

On a sweltering afternoon at the Moat Ground, both sides made a cagey start to the match, and it was Ben Nolan who had the first real sight of goal for City, when his shot was turned round the post by home keeper, Lewis Fenney. City then forced Fenney into another save as Isaac Maynard fired in an effort.

It was seven minutes before the break that Gresley had their first real effort at goal. It came from a free kick and George Atwal was denied by Chadwick who grabbed his effort at the second attempt.

On the stroke of half time, Rovers launched a long throw into the box which caused panic amongst the City defence, but Gresley failed to convert the loose ball.

Early in the second half, Robbie Nightingale introduced Ally Conway at the expense of Ben Nolan and moments later, City forced Fenney into a fine stop as an effort from Scott Bridges was saved.

With City struggling to find the cutting edge that would undo the Gresley defence, Ryan Sharman and Simon Swinton were introduced for Ed Rolph and Isaac Maynard as the second half progressed.

But it was the home side who arguably had the best chance of the match with eight minutes left. It was another long throw from the hosts and Alex Morris was first to react. With his looping header defeating Chadwick, Bridges was on hand to clear the effort off the line.

That proved to be the final meaningful action and City will be pleased to return home with a point. The next action for the Lilywhites is on Wednesday night when they host Spalding United at Bridge Road. Kick-off 7:45pm.