AFC Wimbledon and Carlisle United played out a 0-0 draw of few chances on Saturday afternoon.
A match-up between two sides who have ambitions of finishing in the top seven of Sky Bet League Two, it was largely a tactical battle as both teams struggled to get into their stride.
When openings did come about for our men the finishing touch was lacking in comparison to recent weeks.
Nevertheless when our defensive resolve was tested we stood up well as Nik Tzanev came up with some solid saves to keep the scores level.
Up the other end we could even have sneaked three points with the last kick of the game as Josh Davison saw his effort agonizingly drift over the bar.
Johnnie Jackson made two changes to the side which lost out 1-0 to Leyton Orient, with Chris Gunter and Diallang Jaiyesimi coming in for Huseyin Biler and Ali Al-Hamadi.
The Cumbrians had the first chance of the game as Tzanev palmed away Kristian Dennis’ effort from a corner. Joe Garner then headed wide on the stroke of half-time when it appeared easier to score.
Early in the second-half Ethan Chislett saw an effort saved as we began to grow into the game. A small spell of pressure from the visitors then followed as our defence held firm. Tzanev was however called into action as time progressed, springing full length to keep out a Callum Guy effort that skimmed up off the turf.
We then had a chance to win it right at the death as Davison deflected a Lee Brown effort over from inside the area. It was a passage of play that summed up a frustrating afternoon as we now look ahead to our trip to Northampton Town on Tuesday.
AFC Wimbledon: Nik Tzanev, Chris Gunter, Lee Brown, Alex Woodyard, Harry Pell (Saikou Janneh), Josh Davison, Diallang Jaiyesimi (Ali Al-Hamadi), Ethan Chislett (Kasey McAteer), Alex Pearce, Armani Little, Paul Kalambayi
PIC: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images)