Boston United 0-0 Worcester City

An enterprising first half saw chances at both ends although the game's two best opportunities fell to United's Jay Rollins and Waide Fairhurst after the break, but both openings went untaken.

United lost the services of defender Joe Burgess, who was stretchered off in the seventh minute with a broken ankle.

Burgess landed awkwardly with only three minutes played and was eventually taken off after lengthy treatment from United’s medical team.

Sam Oji headed an early chance over for City while Dion-Curtis Henry produced a crucial block to deny Ebby Nelson-Addy.

United thought they had taken the lead when Ryan Boot parried Fairhurst’s initial shot and Liam Agnew slammed home the rebound, only for the offside flag to be promptly raised.

Fairhurst fired wide at the near post following a Lamin Colley run and cross before glancing a header wide following Ben Gordon’s centre from the left.

Veteran striker Lee Hughes went close to an opening goal when he met Chekaine Steele’s cross, but the 40-year-old fired into the side-netting with only Henry to beat.

Hughes sent a further effort across goal and wide as City ended the first half in positive fashion.

Fairhurst flashed a drive wide at the beginning of the second period following Agnew’s cutback while Rollins smashed an effort high and wide after meeting Gordon’s square pass.

Substitute Callum Chippendale tested Boot with an 83rd minute free-kick while Joe Robinson and Marcus Marshall produced timely blocks to keep City counter-attacks at bay and ensure the scoreline remained blank.

Boston (4-4-2): Dion-Curtis Henry; Kalern Thomas, Gregg Smith, Joe Robinson, Ben Gordon; Marcus Marshall, Liam Agnew, Joe Burgess (Lewis Hilliard 7), Jay Rollins; Waide Fairhurst (Callum Chippendale 83), Lamin Colley (Cameron Johnson 60). Subs (not used): Liam Adams, Michael Emery (gk).

Worcester (4-4-2): Ryan Boot; Andy Gallinagh, Graham Hutchison, Sam Oji, Tyler Weir; Chekaine Steele, Joe Fitzpatrick, Junior English (Danny Jackman 90), Micah Evans (Nathan Olukanmi 76); Lee Hughes, Ebby Nelson-Addy (Jordan Murphy 76). Subs (not used): Tom Sharpe, Ethan Ross (gk).

Referee: Declan Bourne.

Attendance: 1,138 (22 visitors).