NEW Milton battled hard to prise the first points of the season off high-riding Moneyfields in a goalless draw.

And the Fawcett's Field-based outfit almost stole a win when Dave Ewen, Max Sampays and Ryan Long all went close to breaking the deadlock in the final 15 minutes.

Trevor Parker, whose side battled hard to avoid relegation last season but are handily placed in fifth following this draw, said: "We were on the defensive for three-quarters of the game.

"Having said that, Moneyfields hardly created a chance because we were defending high up the park. But in the last quarter of an hour we easily could have won. We had a few chances, although we would have settled for a draw before the start because Moneyfields are a useful outfit.

"Dave had a shot saved by their keeper, who then also made a superb stop low down from Max after he had got behind their defence.

"Their keeper also saved well from Ryan as we went closing to nicking it.

"We defended very well as a unit and are pleased with a draw. It was a satisfactory result for us."

New Milton host Lymington in the league today (12.30pm).

New Milton: Clifton-Moore, Woods, Grace, Clarke, Walker, Ewen, Kenna, Holland, Booker (Sampays 70), Burt, Woolner (Long 70). Unused subs: Cole, Brennan.