HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0, EXETER CITY 0

Manager Alan Ball was forced to make last minute changes to his line-up after Ronnie Jepson was delayed on the motorway.

Big Ron was motoring up to Yorkshire after the overnight birth of his first child - a daughter - and Ball brought in Alan Tonge. Jepson arrived five minutes after the kick-off and replaced Tonge at half-time.

But it was the City defence that took the honours on this day with Ball singing their praises after wards saying: "All five at the back, including the goalkeeper, were terrific."

The defence were so competent at the job that Kevin Miller's first real save didn't come until the 65th minute when he reacted brilliantly to save Gary Barnett's shot that looked to have goal writ ten all over it.

It wasn't all defence and City did have the chances to take the points when Steve Moran's 25 yard volley flew just wide of the goal and then the same player found himself free 18 yards from goal but his control let him down at the vital moment.

The final chance came late in the game when John Hodge intercepted a weak clearance and rounded the goalkeeper.

But the mercurial winger opted to shoot from a narrow angle instead of passing to the unmarked Jepson and unfortunately he had to watch as his shot flew across the face of the goal and wide.