By Paul McGeary
Newton Aycliffe recorded a hard-fought goalless draw against Bishop Auckland, having had a man sent-off for the second successive game.
Fred Woodhouse picked up two yellow cards, leaving the Royal Blues play over half an hour with 10 men.
In a highly-charged game, which saw Sean Tarling, Mark Wood and Scott Pocklington all make the trip to Moore Lane Park as a visiting player, neither side were able to make the telling breakthrough.
Pocklington saved from former team-mate Danny Earl in the 21st minute before Woodhouse picked up his first yellow card six minutes before the break.
Dan Riley fired over for the visitors as the game failed to spark into life in the opening period.
Captain John Close, who was imperious alongside former Two Blues defender Stephen Salvin in the heart of defence, made former skipper Tarling feel welcome after the break with a crunching challenge that earned him a yellow card.
Woodhouse was then dismissed for a second bookable offence, before Wood was cautioned for a shocking challenge on Paul Broom.
While the fouling went on, there was little goalmouth action on a roasting Bank Holiday Monday.
The clean sheet was a welcome relief after being hit for four by Durham on Saturday, but fans will hope a return to free-scoring way will return sooner rather than later.
Molyneux: Oliver (Mitton), Oldfield, Close, Salvin; Broom (M.Gibson), Owen, Selby, Young (Owens); Earl, Woodhouse Unused: Lambert, Farley.
Star Man: Close
