BUNGAY and Stalham fought out their second goalless draw of the season at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday in a game which ended the Black Dogs' five-game winning streak.

BUNGAY and Stalham fought out their second goalless draw of the season at the Maltings Meadow on Saturday in a game which ended the Black Dogs' five-game winning streak.

A win would have taken them to the top of the Anglian Combination Division One but they slipped to third place, with Kirkley & Pakefield beating previous leaders St Andrews to go top themselves.

It was a disappointing result for the home fans, but had it not been for three splendid saves near the end by U18 keeper Nathan Einecker the visitors would have taken all three points.

The first half was almost devoid of action, the only incidents of note being a Danny Wilby cross in the opening 30 seconds which struck the outside of a post, and a strike by Stalham later on which also hit the outside of the woodwork.

The second half was more interesting, with Bungay twice having chances to take the lead.

The keeper dived to save a fierce shot form Tom Amis when he was put clear, then new signing Adam Solley won the ball to put Joe McFarlane free - but his shot past the exposed keeper was just wide of the far post.

Between those two chances Stalham won a penalty as Craig Hunting fouled a forward just inside the area, but the spot kick hit the outside of a post - exactly what happened in the stalemate at Stalham, an indication at that stage that this game was due to have the same ending.

Lee Henwood and Dan Lowe combined to cut out a dangerous situation in the six-yard box, then Einkecker made a fine save to block an effort from George when he beat the offside trap.

Bungay had a chance when Rory French got clear down the left but his low cross was too close to the keeper. Then Wilby found substitute Aisnley Baynes, giving him a clear shot at goal, only for the keeper to make a flying save.

Baynes had two more chances, set up by Wilby and French, but the first was blocked and the other - the best of them - he mis-hit badly wide.

Einecker saved the day for Bungay in the last five minutes. Again George bet the offside trap and raced clear but the keeper blocked his effort and a follow-up shot. And shortly after he kept his clean sheet with another reflex save.

Bungay: N Einecker, M Harvey, C Hunting, L Henwood, D Lowe, P Bullen (J McFarlane), N Reanut, D Wilby, R French, T Amis (A Baynes).

Tomorrow Bungay have an important six-pointer at home to Mattishall (2.30).

On Sunday the club is hosting the Suffolk Sunday Minor Cup semi-final between Kirkley & Pakefield and Woodbridge (2.15).