Frustration grows as Steelmen's title hopes begin to fade

The Steelmen finished the game with just nine men on the pitch after Curtis Hartley and Ryan Robbins were red-carded in the second half.

But Corby did have chances and were out of luck late on when Charlie Wise struck the crossbar.

The goalless draw, which saw new signing Craig Hill keep a clean sheet after the goalkeeper signed from league rivals Thame United this week, has left Corby four points behind leaders Halesowen Town who won again and still have three games in hand.

It all added up to more frustration for joint-manager Gary Mulligan who conceded his team are going through a “sticky patch” in front of goal.

“I can’t really comment on the (red card) incidents until we look at them again but obviously we are disappointed not to get the three points,” he said.

“In the first half it was tough against the wind but in the second half there was only one team in it.

“We are in one of those sticky patches at the moment. We are creating a few chances but we aren’t hitting the target and that’s where the frustration is coming from.

“One of their defenders has made an unbelievable tackle on Jordon Crawford and Charlie (Wise) has hit the bar but there were also a couple of good chances from outside the box where we aren’t hitting the target.

“That will come again because we have players out there who can score us a goal but it’s a sticky patch at the minute.

“We just have to get back on the training pitch and work harder. We have to work hard on the things that need a bit of improvement.”

The Steelmen will be looking to return to winning ways next weekend when they are back on the road at Kempston Rovers.