A hampered Hampton & Richmond shared the points with fellow play-off contenders St Albans, to remain above them in the National League South after a 0-0 draw, on a windy, rainy evening at Beveree Stadium. 

The Beavers were without league top-scorer Ben Seymour, as well as defensive enforcer Luis Fernandez and midfield general George Hunt, as sixth place St Albans came to town. 

There was controversy after the St Albans keeper took out Tope Fadahunsi, after the forward had knocked it round him and was through on goal, but the last man only received a yellow card. Good goalkeeping displays and a lack of clear cut chances meant the scores remained 0-0.   

Rob Hall was the bright attacking spark for the Beavers in the first half, dancing past a couple of players early. 

Charlie O'Connell made his debut after signing on-loan from Peterborough, with the midfielder slotting in alongside stalwart Sam Deadfield.

Mid-way through the half. Hall then set up Jake Gray for a low driven shot, saved by St Albans keeper Michael Johnson, for the Beavers’ first chance of the game. 

Tope Fadahunsi then benefitted from Hall’s playmaking as he was sent one on one with Johnson. 

The forward tapped it round the keeper and was brought down right on the edge of the box, with a yellow card and free-kick awarded.  

With a swing of his left foot, Hall crashed it against the crossbar from the resulting free-kick after bending one towards the far right corner. 

Hampton & Richmond dealt with St Albans pressure in the second half, including a goal-line clearance from Dean Inman who stretched to block a strike that had come from close range.  

Adam Desbois also stretched down to his left to make an important late save for the Beavers and see out the point against the fellow play-off hopefuls.  

The point keeps Hampton & Richmond in fifth place as they next welcome Macclesfield to the Beveree, in the FA Trophy Fifth round.  SECURE YOUR TICKETS HERE