Wingate & Finchley claimed a point at Redbridge on the opening day of the Ryman League Division One North season.

Two similarly matched teams shared the spoils in a tentative clash where chances were few and far between.

A contest featuring two well-organised defences saw Redbridge’s only attempt of the first half came after a long throw down the line to Carl Bruce. He volleyed on the turn from the angle but Wingate keeper Gavin King was well positioned to parry the ball behind.

Wingate & Finchley’s best came in the final minute when Chris Chase’s curled effort missed the top corner.

There was little change to the pattern of the game in the second half. Redbridges Theo Daniels sent a free kick on the edge of the area goalwards, but King caught the shot comfortably.

Bruce then had a good chance for the home side with a glancing header from an inswinging cross from the right wing, but the ball just missed the far post.

Wingate almost nicked it late on. Leon Nelson shot on the turn from the edge of the area, but could not get enough power to trouble the keeper.

The game ended in a very fair goalless draw and both sides will be content at getting a point on the board against fellow high-flyers from last season.

Wingate & Finchley: Gavin King, Marc Weatherstone, Daniel Nielsen, Craig Ellis, Frankie Webb, Ola Williams, Michael Lenahan, Marvin Samuel, Leon Nelson, Dean Williams (sub: Leon Smith 62), Chris Chase. Subs: Paul Wright, Dave Norman, Kieran Street, Joe Killingback