Biddestone 0, Almondsbury 0 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Biddestone 0, Almondsbury 0

BIDDESTONE manager Graham Learmonth has pointed to the increased confidence of his side, following the departure of Gary Skidmore, as the reason for their upturn in fortunes.

Since taking over, Learmonth's men have picked up five points in three games and have kept clean sheets in their last two to lift them comfortably into mid-table.

Their latest game produced a battling 0-0 display at home to Almondsbury, with Learmonth putting the improved performances down to the new atmosphere at the club.

He said: "I think the whole group of players look forward to being here now whereas, no disrespect to Gary, before I think they were a little bit edgy and nervous.

"Some of the players commented afterwards that it was a game they probably would have lost 1-0 last season, but they managed to scrap and get something.

"They're definitely more confident now."

Biddestone had goalkeeper Chris Snoddy to thank for keeping them in the game, after he was forced to make a good save in the first minute.

Snoddy was kept busy throughout the opening period as Almondsbury shaded the game, but the home side were unfortunate not to go in 1-0 up when Joe Ochuko's volley produced a stunning save from Chris Coles.

Coles was again in good form in the second half, keeping Biddestone at bay.

Both teams had good penalty claims waved away after the break, with Ochuko going down in the box before Almondsbury had a handball appeal turned down.

Learmonth described the draw as the right result, heaping praise on his goalkeeper.

"He's got a big future ahead of him in the game," said the Biddestone boss. "He's just got to start believing it and the back four are the same. They were all excellent.

"It was a fair result and I've got no complaints about it.

"Both goalkeepers did well and I was happy to keep another clean sheet and pick up another point. I've got no complaints."

Biddestone now travel to face Chard on Saturday, with Learmonth expecting his players to continue their good form.

"Saturday's probably going to be difficult. Chard are one of the stronger sides.

"With the confidence we have got, every game is a chance to get something, although I think we will probably have to score at the weekend."