AFC’s final game of 2011 on New Year’s Eve ended in a disappointing goal less draw when basement side Ilford kept their first clean sheet of the campaign.

Chris Tracey’s side, who played most of the second half with ten men after skipper Sam Clarke was red carded, should have made the game safe in the first period. But a combination of poor finishing and good keeping by the home stopper meant that that two points were dropped resulting in AFC falling two places to seventh in the table after other results went against them.

The game attracted Ilford’s first three figure crowd of the season with 104 fans attending thanks to the many AFC travelling supporters. But it will be a game soon forgotten by most of them as it was a scrappy affair although a heavy pitch did little to help matters.

As expected Tracey made changes to the side that lost at Soham on Boxing Day. Sam Clarke and James Baker returned after serving their one match ban while defenders Ashley Sloots and Adam Dalby also returned.

With the wind at their backs in the first half Sudbury had the majority of the play and numerous shots were blocked before a Kevin Hawes header hit a post and was scrambled away. Home keeper Rob Budd  made fine saves in quick succession to deny David Wareham and James Baker as Sudbury piled on the pressure.

A rare chance for the hosts came when AFC keeper Danny Gay made a poor clearance from a back pass which went straight to Louis Hazelwood but he failed to hit the target when it seemed easier to score. The same player brought a fine from Gay at the expense of a corner as the hosts finished the half strongly.

Half time: Ilford 0   AFC Sudbury 0

Eight minutes into the second half AFC were reduced to ten men when skipper Sam Clarke was red carded following a clash in midfield.

Although a player short AFC still created chances and twice fine saves by Budd denied Wareham on a one-on-one chances. From the latter, penalty appeals for handball fell on deaf ears as the ball was scrambled clear.

Ilford had more of the play as the game went on but they seldom threatened to pierce a well drilled AFC defence although a shot on the run from Danny Gabriel hit the crossbar and went over before Tom Carter blasted over another good chance.

With time running out AFC piled on the pressure and Budd saved well from Baker before the home side almost snatched victory seconds before the final whistle from a right wing corner that flashed across the face of the goal.

AFC will be pleased at keeping their first clean sheet for six games but will be very disappointed at not scoring against a side who themselves had not kept a clean sheet all season until this match.

Pat Arbon