CHAMPIONS-elect Tamworth were the only real winners as title pretenders Chippenham and Worcester City cancelled each other out for the second time this season.

A goalless draw at St George's Lane allowed the Lambs to move 11 points clear at the top of the Dr Martens Premier Division and the Bluebirds, along with City, Stafford and Dover, now look to be battling for second place.

Like the reverse game at Hardenhuish in December, Saturday's clash was an entertaining spectacle, but the best two defences in the division were on top of their games once again.

Both sides had their moments going forward, Adie Mings striking a post for the away side and Worcester hitting the woodwork through Adam Webster and the impressive Adam Wilde.

Bluebirds assistant manager Colin Bush was happy with another impressive awayday showing from his men.

He said: "It was important not to lose, especially with Stafford coming up at home on Saturday, and it was a good, competitive game right from the start.

"The boys acquitted themselves really well, especially as it was another tough away game after Hednesford, Hinckley and Havant.

"We did a good job and it was quite entertaining for a nil-nil draw, with Adie hitting the post after some power play.

"It could have gone either way in the end, but I think either side would have felt hard done by to have come away with a defeat. It was a satisfying result."

Bush reserved special praise for Mings, who proved a menace for the Worcester back line with an all-action performance in attack.

He said: "He worked very hard up front alongside Martin Paul. Jon Holloway at the back for them was really good, but the pure strength and power of Adie caused them real problems.

"There were some solid performances all over the park and the midfield did okay, with Charlie Griffin filling in in an unfamiliar role on the left."

Chippenham boss Tommy Saunders named an unchanged side following last week's win at Hednesford, meaning no place in the starting 11 for the returning JP Mills or Wayne Thorne.

But left back Thorne was handed his chance when Steve Brown took a hefty blow to his shin in the first half, and Bush admitted the visitors had looked a more solid unit following the defender's introduction.

He said: "We kept faith with the 3-4-1-2 we used at Hednesford because it wouldn't have been fair to have left anyone out after that.

"But they were effectively playing with three up front and we had better shape when Thorney replaced Browner early on. Adam Wilde was causing us problems on the left, but was more subdued after we switched to a 4-4-2."

Chippenham's top scorer Martin Paul looked fortunate to escape with just a booking following a rash challenge on Worcester goalkeeper McDonnell.

The hardworking Mings prodded an effort against the goalframe after bustling his way into the area, and Matt Rawlins was off target with an overhead kick.