CIRENCESTER failed to fully exploit the inactivity of Western Division leaders Redditch, dropping two points in a goalless stalemate at mid-table Evesham.

Brian Hughes' men could have cut the gap at the top to eight points with three games in hand with a victory that most neutrals would have predicted.

But in a game governed by the elements and played on a pitch covered by three inches of snow a day earlier, Ciren failed to hit their usual attacking heights.

The home side started the brightest with Daniel Williams cutting into the box and coaxing a decent stop from Paul Thompson before Craig Pountney volleyed wide from six yards.

The Centurions nearly opened the scoring when Shaun Wimble's corner was only half cleared and Ben Fitch fired over another cross which Jody Bevan headed just wide.

Ciren began to enjoy more of the ball as the game progressed and from a good Gareth Hopkins run, his final low cross was only inches in front of Fitch who failed to get the touch which would have meant a certain goal.

The visitors should have taken the lead midway through the second half when a Darren Robison through ball was laid off by Hopkins and Bevan's terrific shot was only just wide.

In their next build up Bevan broke free into the box and his powerful shot was parried by keeper Timothy Clarke who was alert enough to keep out Hopkins' rebound.

In the final attack of the game, Adam Mayo found Bevan and he laid the perfect ball to Hopkins but his low shot was again saved by the keeper.

CIRENCESTER: Thompson, Bird, McEntegart, Richards, Mayo, Davis, Robison, Wimble, Hopkins, Bevan, Fitch. Subs: Wotton, Jackson, Griffin, McCabe, Fraser.

Cirencester are back in Western Division action on Tuesday night when they travel to Yate Town.