GRAVESEND & Northfleet failed to find the back of the net for the third consecutive home game, but still managed to move one step closer to the Ryman League, Premier Division title, with a scoreless draw with Basingstoke on Saturday.

With four games left this season, Andy Ford's side are now just one point behind Canvey Island at the top of the table after the current pace-setters slumped to a shock 2-1 home defeat against Grays at the weekend.

The Fleet started the game slowly and could have trailed by at least one goal at half time as Craig McAllister and Mike Davis went close to the finding the back of the net for the visitors.

After only creating a couple of half chances in the first period, Ford decided to bring on an extra forward, Simon Parker, at the interval and the more attacking policy looked likely to be successful as the hosts created a series of clear-cut openings.

Craig Wilkins and Darren Smith almost scored from Jimmy Jackson crosses, Paul Booth squirmed two great chances and late substitute Liam Hatch also went close in the final five minutes but his side-footed shot from six yards missed the target.

Despite being under pressure for long periods, Basingstoke could have won the game but Steve Baker's hanging cross bounced off the cross bar before being headed wide at the far post by Rob Cook.

Gravesend: Turner, Lee (Parker 45), Burton, Barnett, Duku, McKimm, Owen, Smith, Jackson, Stadhart (Hatch 75), Wilkins (Booth 69).