Bournemouth Poppies held league leaders Stoneham to a 0-0 draw after a disciplined defensive performance on Saturday.
Both sides created chances during a competitive match, although neither team could find a breakthrough before the interval as Ethan Cheshire came closest for the Poppies while Emmanuel Ohameje worked hard to keep Stoneham striker Duarte Martins quiet.
Stoneham threatened early when Duarte Martins slid a pass across goal to Oliver Jenkins in the 10th minute, but the effort flew over the six yard box before Hamza Tallal produced an important block moments later to stop Jenkins delivering a dangerous cross.
Cheshire created Bournemouth’s best first half opportunity after driving forward from midfield and striking from the edge of the area, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Callum Lee as the visitors also threatened through Martins.
The closest either side came to a winner arrived late in the game as Martins reacted to a ball across the face of goal but watched it roll past the open net, before Cheshire fired over from Joshua Spink’s cross.
Tempers flared near the end when Tom Annetts was sent off for dissent after Stoneham were denied a penalty, leaving Bournemouth to secure a point.
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