Petersfield Town returned to action with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against fellow Southern Combination Premier Division promotion contenders Crowborough Athletic on Saturday.

With Crowborough going into the game in fourth, and the Rams in fifth, a close game was anticipated.

The Rams welcomed back Zak Sharp, who was part of their promotion-winning side two seasons ago, on a dual registration basis from Gosport Borough.

The first good chance fell to Crowborough in the eighth minute when Harry Forster's free kick brought a fine save from Kieran Connell.

In the 15th minute Crowborough were awarded another free kick from a similar position. Forster stepped up again, but put it wide on this occasion.

Crowborough continued to look the more likely, particularly from set pieces, but the Rams increasingly came into the game as an attacking force.

Their best chance of the half came in the 27th minute, when Kian Towse finished a good move with a shot that went just wide.

In the 34th minute Crowborough found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out because of a foul on Dan Wood, from which he was injured and had to be replaced by Brandon Miller.

After a scrappy opening to the second half, the Rams started to gain the upper hand and created some decent chances.

Liam Kimber's 58th-minute strike was palmed away by Charlie Holmwood, and although the Rams picked up the loose ball the visitors cleared their lines.

In the 77th minute Towse showed some good skill to weave his way into the box and set up Charlie Merritt, whose shot went narrowly wide.

In the 90th minute Crowborough were reduced to ten men when Ollie Hyland was red carded for a dangerous challenge on Sharp, but they saw out the added minutes to secure a share of the spoils.