Frome failed to capitalise on an opportunity to move back to the top of the Southern League Division One South table as they were held to a goalless draw by Bristol Manor Farm at Badgers Hill on Saturday.
Despite controlling possession for long spells of the game, the Robins struggled to fashion opportunities to score and it was in fact the visitors who came closest to breaking the deadlock.
It was Manor Farm who started the stronger, winning a succession of corners that first saw James Carey acrobatically keep out an Owen Howe header before Mike Baker cleared the ball off his own goal-line from the resulting delivery.
Frome grew into the game after their nervy start, and Kane Simpson had the first real shot in anger for Danny Greaves’ side, turning sharply on the edge of the Manor Farm box and only being denied a superb goal by a sprawling save from Ben John.
Manor Farm almost took the lead not long after, as some superb work down the right flank by Jake Gosling ended with him setting up a shot for Ben Bament just six yards from goal, but the wideman scuffed his effort and let the Robins off the hook.
Frome nearly took full advantage of their good fortune just before the interval as Davies raced in behind the visiting defence, yet when he faced up John one-on-one he could only flash a left-footed shot wide of the target.
The Robins came out for the second half looking far more composed, yet they still found it difficult to pick holes in an organised Manor Farm backline.
The best chance to snatch all three points came and went before the hour mark as after Davies had cleverly picked out Simpson in the penalty area, the big striker could only find the side netting with John closing him down quickly.
Frome had a series of half chances and had plenty of opportunities to test the Manor Farm defence from set-pieces, but it was in fact the away side that created the best chance to score late on as Michael Bryant scuffed his shot after being picked out in the box.
The Robins are now level on points with Plymouth Parkway at the top of the table but have an inferior goal difference to the Devon side.
With three games of the league season remaining, Frome make the trip to Slimbridge next weekend as their quest for promotion continues.
You´ve got to say, in the circumstances, that this was two points dropped, and yet another frustrating home draw. However, did we do enough to warrant a victory ‘ I don´t think so. In a game of very few real chances ‘BMF’ Had as many as we did. So, a draw was about right.
What has James Oliis done wrong to be left out of the side. Is he carrying an injury? He’s by far the best forward at holding it up in front of the centre backs and runs the channels well. Kane is not that good with his back to goal and loses possession too often. I think the team are better with Ollis included?
Callam Evans does…