Grantham Town were forced to settle for a point after a hard-fought and often scrappy goalless draw against Boston Town, as two well-organised sides cancelled each other out in a tense Lincolnshire derby.

On a cold December afternoon, conditions were never going to be conducive to free-flowing football, and both teams found creativity hard to come by. Boston started brightly, pressing high and looking to move the ball quickly into the channels, but Grantham’s back line stood firm and dealt well with early crosses into the box.

The Gingerbreads’ best opening of the first half came midway through when a slick passing move ended with a low effort from the edge of the area that was easily dealt with by the visiting goalkeeper. Boston responded with a spell of possession of their own, forcing Grantham to defend resolutely, though clear chances remained at a premium.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with plenty of endeavour but little room to operate in the final third. Grantham pushed on in search of a breakthrough, committing bodies forward and winning a series of set pieces, but Boston defended their penalty area with discipline and concentration.

Boston threatened sporadically on the counter, and Grantham were grateful for some solid defensive work and a calm performance from their goalkeeper to keep the scores level. As the game wore on, fatigue set in and the tempo dropped, with neither side able to land a decisive blow.

In the end, a draw felt a fair reflection of the contest. Grantham Town showed plenty of fight and organisation, but will be frustrated not to have found a way through, while Boston Town will be pleased with a clean sheet and a point earned away from home.

Final Score: Grantham Town 0–0 Boston Town
Attendance: 431