Ebeneezer Ingram denies Yuletide cheer (From Stroud News and Journal)

Ebeneezer Ingram denies Yuletide cheer

Nationwide Conference Forest Green Rovers 0 Halifax Town 0

FATHER Christmas may have been dishing out sweets at The Lawn, but it was former Forest Green defender Denny Ingram who handed improving Rovers his own frustrating version of Christmas in the form of Ebeneezer Scrooge, as he denied Rovers victory in the dying embers of a captivating 0-0.

Ingram, returning to Gloucestershire for the first-time since his summer transfer from Rovers, managed to get a block on Matt Gadsby's goal-bound diving header after an exquisite cross from Rovers' Ryan Williams - the outstanding player on view.

Rovers' boss Alan Lewer was delighted to see his side nullify a Halifax side aiming for promotion, and see his team take another positive step towards escaping the drop-zone.

"Our players have acquitted themselves well," said Lewer. "I was pleased with the way we looked after Halifax and to have kept a clean sheet against a side that has been flying."

The open exchanges saw Rovers open the brighter with Williams, on loan from Ian Atkins' Bristol Rovers, proving a lively menace.

However, Craig Midgley threatened when his 13th minute twist and strike was comfortably gathered by Steve Perrin.

Struggling to get into their stride the Shaymen saw Alex Meechan spurn a gilt-edged chance on 20 minutes. The former Rovers' striker chipped wide of the advancing Perrin after Midgley tossed the ball in. Seconds later a great clearance from former Leeds midfielder Jason Blunt preserved the stalemate after the fleet-footed Williams caused mayhem.

However, Killen dug a neat strike out of his feet and into the arms of Perrin as Halifax looked to try and break the deadlock. Moments later Killen brought a fine 34th minute parry from Perrin.

With the half drawing to a close keeper Ian Dunbavin showed speed of thought to challenge the on-rushing Charlie Griffin.

Halifax started the second-half full of attacking intent. With two early corners from former Rovers' captain Martin Foster setting the tone.

However, Perrin denied Adam Quinn a 56th minute opener when his thumping header from a Foster corner was beaten away. Moments later Griffin saw yellow for elbowing

Quinn, as tempers became somewhat fractious. Rovers' Adam Garner then found his way into the book minutes later for a late challenge on Killen. Nonetheless, with 20 minutes to go Paul Stoneman planted a free-header wide from Midgley's pin-point cross. Eight minutes later Perrin somehow got a hand to Midgley's close range strike after the ball broke from a Foster corner. However, the tide turned with five minutes remaining. Andy Watson broke the off-side trap, but with just Dunbavin to beat he shot across goal when scoring would have been easier.

At the death Ingram's block saved a point for Chris Wider's relieved side. Forest Green: Perrin, Lyttle, Garner, Richardson (captain), Davies, Searle, Gadsby, Rogers, Williams, Beesley, Griffin (Watson 71 mins, Roberts 90 mins) Subs not used: Windle (GK), Adams, Danks.

Attendance: 613.