The first matchday of the year for the Miners provided much entertainment despite the 0-0 draw. Both teams had many chances to score at least one or two but a point each seemed fair in a intense and back-and-forth tie.

Despite a fierce opening few minutes, both sides prevented opposing shots with some brave tackling. A golden chance seemed to fall in the 6th minute to Steels striker James Morris in the area, but a perfectly timed sweeping challenge from Jamie Barkway cleared the danger. Stocksbridge threatened the Garforth backline early with an abundance of crosses, yet the Miners held strong and eventually gained control of the match.

The visitors' high press forced Town to play at a high tempo; eventually leading to a brilliant cross from Max Tweddle finding Barkway unmarked at the back post. However, the resulting volley was drilled just wide of the goal.

Following a quieter spell of action, a Steels corner allowed Paul Iggulden to head goalwards - forcing a great parried save from Harry Flatters. The rebound was quickly picked up by the men in claret in the middle, yet somehow a barrage of Garforth bodies managed to block a handful of Stockbridge strikes off the line.

Just a minute later in the 30th, an impressive drive from Morris found him one-on-one with Flatters but a well-stretched leg from the Miners keeper deflected the ball away. A small lapse of concentration from Town should've proved costly, however the tables quickly turned when Steels defender Elliot Owen failed to clear a lofted ball, allowing Sam Cable space to shoot from 15 yards out.

In uncanny fashion, Stocksbridge shot-stopper Ben Townend pulled an almost identical save to Flatters minutes earlier with his foot; a great save that earned him an applause from the home crowd. As the first half came to a close, both teams would've felt lucky to not have not conceded, although both had golden opportunities to score.

Following the interval, the second period began much like the first with the Steels pumping balls into the box but to no avail. Deja vu seemed to be the theme of the afternoon as the Miners once again regained attacking momentum and started asking questions of the visitors. A brilliant ball through the Stockbridge defence from Tweddle found Cable in a great position in behind but his effort crept narrowly wide of Townend's far post.

Just minutes later in the 64th, Rinor Ejupi bolted down the right wing with the ball at his feet and just as he darted his way into the area, a well-timed sliding tackle from full back Jack Tinker put an end to the move despite shouts of a penalty.

A counter against the run of play for the Steels eventually led to Daniel Deakin floating an inch perfect cross to an unmarked Jack Dolman. With his first touch of the game off the bench, he thumped his header from close range against the woodwork and thankfully the rebound was cleared.

It was almost incredible that neither team had buried one of their chances, even though it seemed likely that one side could claim all three points late on. A tense and end-to-end closing 15 minutes played out; Sam Barker forced another save with the feet from Townend late on, yet the final whistle brought an end to the goalless yet entertaining stalemate.

A draw probably was the fairest result possible, even though both sides had plenty of chances to bury at least one. Despite the level scoreline, the Miners well and truly proved they can battle with some of the best in the division.

Attendance: 314