It never rains but it pours - writes Matt Gillett.

Portishead Town gained a hard-earned point against Barnstaple Town with a 0-0 draw in challenging circumstances.

Added to atrocious weather conditions, they played well over an hour with 10 men following keeper Fin Croft’s contentious sending off.

It was 4th place entertaining 3rd, and both teams in good form.

Posset made one change with Callum Eastwood starting – although he probably didn’t have the afternoon he was anticipating.

The high wind made control and passing difficult but both sides looked to create.

Owen Punselie, released in the 4th minute after clever play by Kyle Egan, saw his shot was pushed out for a corner.

Barnstaple, their wing-backs pushed high, had a couple of early shots just over.

Croft also pushed an effort round the post.

(Image: Oliver Riddoch Photography) The game changed in the 23rd minute.

As Croft raced out to clear just outside the area the ball seemed to hold up in the wind.

The referee judged his clash with the Barnstaple forward not only a foul but a straight red card.

It was the most significant of a number of, to put it mildly, debatable decisions by the official.

Eastwood took the keeper’s jersey as Posset reorganised.

Nonetheless, Portishead took the game to Barnstaple and might have gone ahead during a spate of corners towards half-time.

Firstly, from a Hamish Hurst knockdown, Sean Keet’s hooked effort was tipped over by the keeper.

Then Toby Lawrence headed narrowly wide.

Only in first-half added time did Barnstaple mount any sustained pressure.

Eastwood, having already confidently handled a number of balls into the box, saved well at the oncoming Barnstaple striker’s feet taking a knock in a follow-up challenge.

He then produced an excellent save down to his left.

Eastwood parried another shot in the opening minute of the second period but from then on Barnstaple struggled to create chances as Posset dug in.

(Image: Oliver Riddoch Photography) Not surprisingly, the visitors, with the advantage of the extra man, enjoyed more possession as the game wore on.

Portishead worked tirelessly closing space and making blocks as Eastwood dealt with anything coming his way.

They looked to break whenever possible, always retaining a threat.

Indeed, Posset might have won it.

Mitch Osmond was close to a Josh Honey cross early in the half and it took a last-ditch tackle in added time to stop Ethan Feltham breaking clear.

Feltham also appeared to have a strong claim for a foul in the 73rd minute, sandwiched by defenders breaking into the box.

All appeals were dismissed by the referee.

No goals but plenty to admire with Portishead’s monumental resolve securing a richly deserved result against strong opposition.