Gresford Athletic battled well with league leaders Airbus UK Broughton in an away 0-0 draw on matchday 15 of the 2023/24 JD Cymru North on Boxing Day.

The first half began with The Wingmakers holding onto the ball, but Gresford Athletic doing superbly well to ensure nothing came of the possession, which was shown in the fifth minute with James Smith's fantastic tackle to deny an Airbus UK Broughton attack.

Then, in the 20th minute, it was Airbus UK Broughton's turn to defend, with Paul Johnson seeing his shot on goal well blocked.

Airbus UK Broughton did come close to taking the lead in the 42nd minute, but James Davies' effort hit the goalpost and Gresford Athletic hold on to be level pegging going into the half time break.

The second half was much of the same, with both sides battling throughout the second 45 minutes.

In the 63rd minute, Gresford Athletic were given another warning sign, as an Airbus UK Broughton effort from Jordan Evans rattled the post for a second time during the game.

The Wingmakers continued to have chances, but Gresford Athletic remained resiliant, defending well and putting their bodies on the line to retain the clean sheet.

Gresford Athletic ALMOST nicked it right at the death, with Sam Spridgeon putting the ball into the box in the fifth minute of added time, but Toby Gallagher-Keenan's shot grazed past the post and the score remained level going into full time, in what was a well-earned point away from home for The Colliers.

Nathan Williams was named Gresford Athletic Man of the Match with a fantastic performance and for playing a crucial part in keeping a clean sheet.

Airbus UK Broughton

Starting XI: Jones (GK), K. Evans, Tomassen (C), Palmer, Rickett, J. Evans, Collins (Cooke - 59'), Peers, McManus, Lanceley, Davies (Baker - 75')

Yellow cards: Tomassen

Subs not used: Dutton (GK), Grogan, Orton, Knight, Gordon

Gresford Athletic

Starting XI: Jones (GK), J. Smith, Bennett, Williams, Buxton, Griffiths (C), Johnson, Mann (Spridgeon - 80'), S. Smith, Ozlu, Gallagher-Keenan

Yellow cards: Johnson

Subs not used: Hesp, Killilea

Match Officials

Referee: Andy Harms

Assistant Referees: Peter Owen, Martin Trigg