RAWDON Old Boys opened the season on Saturday by getting a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw at newly promoted Glasshoughton Park.

Glasshoughton started their Division One campaign off the back of 18 wins out of 26 in Division Two last season, so for Rawdon to rock up away with only 11 players (until Callum Murgatroyd arrived in the second half), and take a point home with a clean sheet on top of that wasn't a bad way to start the season.

Josh Turner made his Rawdon debut at centre forward, as well as Tristan Innes in the middle of the park, and both put in a superb shift across 90 minutes.

Innes was an engine and lively in midfield, winning one-on-one battles and dictating play and Josh Turner held the ball up, laid it off to attacking support alongside him and looked like a serious threat to Glasshoughton's back four.

The strong wind over Pontefract ensured the ball had to be played along the deck, which easily suited Rawdon's passing style.

From Ryan Baum in goal, the ball was played out the back along the floor and worked up field.

Rawdon's first chance came when the ball was struck down the right flank for Paul Butler to run on to, and his lethal strike was heading for top corner until the keeper quickly came across and kept the scoreline at 0-0.

Another jaw dropper came when Murgatroyd, who came on at right back, had a brilliant strike to the bottom corner and once again Glasshoughton's keeper managed to keep it out.

The game went Rawdon's way throughout, but an excellent match from Glasshoughton's keeper meant both teams had to settle for a point.

Baum was rarely challenged and when the odd shot was fired his way, his quick reflexes and safe hands kept them out.

Ross Cashmore