North Leigh’s play-off hopes in Calor League Division 1 South & West suffered a setback with a goalless draw at Cirencester on Saturday.

Before the game, Millers boss Mark Gee had expected one of their toughest battles of the season and so it proved.

It was not a bad result for North Leigh against the second-placed team, but it drops them three places and two points below the play-off spots.

In fact, the stalemate suited neither team.

Playing down the slope, but into a stiff wind, North Leigh more than matched their opponents in the first half.

Early on, Cirencester’s dangerous striker Lee Smith whistled a shot past keeper Adam McHugh’s far post.

Then Millers’ central defender Zak Westlake did well to block two goalbound shots from Smith.

Kieran Sanders looked to have scored a quality goal for the visitors in the 19th minute, following Conor McDonagh’s pass, but it was ruled out for offside.

Home central defender Leigh Henry was booked for a robust foul on McDonagh and was lucky not to receive a red card moments later for a crude challenge on Saunders.

The second half was all about the Millers’ brave defending as the hosts became more desperate to break the deadlock.

North Leigh looked dangerous on the breakaway, and Morgan Williams directed a header from Mark Bell’s cross straight at home goalkeeper Glyn Garner.

A few minutes later, McHugh made a great save from substitute Shayne Bumphrey with an outstretched foot.

Williams and Sanders both had chances to win the game for the Millers seeing their shots deflected away for corners, while their excellent defence held firm to secure a point.

The result also extended their unbeaten league run to three matches.

On Saturday, North Leigh face a trip to Swindon Supermarine.

North Leigh: McHugh, Hole, Hopkins, Osborne-Ricketts (Bell 77), Westlake, Caton, Else, Malone (Turk 71), McDonagh (Woodley 71), Sanders, Williams. Subs not used: Dobson, Gunn.

Attendance: 112.