Acton United 0–0 Edgbaston FC: ten men hold fast

The visitors' task was made harder inside two minutes when Alfonsito Borda-Andino saw red for a clumsy challenge. It was a moment of madness (to be fair, we've all been there) that left Edgbaston, sitting seventh, to face an 88-minute rearguard action.

Acton, desperate for points in their battle against the drop, dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge. They probed and pressed, yet found the Edgbaston defence in obdurate mood. The home side's best chance arrived on the stroke of half-time, but their striker dragged a low effort inches wide when the net beckoned.

The second half followed a predictable pattern. Acton pushed forward with urgency, but the ten men stood firm. The game became stretched, and the visitors almost stole it late on, but for a fine save from the Acton keeper.

That the match ended goalless says much for Edgbaston's organisation. For Acton, it is another two points dropped in a season rapidly running away from them. They are now six points adrift of safety with games running out. Typical really.

Their recent home form had offered a glimmer of hope, but they again failed to turn pressure into points. The need for a win has become an emergency.