WORCESTER City salvaged what could turn out to be a precious point from a scrappy New Year’s Day 0-0 battle against Hednesford Town in challenging conditions.

The Blue and Whites were second best at a rain and windswept Keys Park as they made a stuttering start to 2015 by failing to register a serious shot on target.

Hednesford had the better of what chances there were, with Jose Veiga the busier of the keepers, but Richard Batchelor’s disallowed 69th minute effort was the closest they came despite their endeavours.

It was a dismal first-half, not helped by a strong wind which led to a disjointed game and plenty of errors, and the second wasn’t a huge improvement.

Despite the conditions, City, who are still looking to sign a replacement for George Williams, were without fellow full-back Tyler Weir following a minor car crash and struggled for an attacking threat down the flanks.

Deploying Daniel Nti as the central striker in place of Mike Symons saw the ball fail to stick in the final third.

The returning Shabir Khan also hobbled off with what looked like a groin problem 17 minutes into the second period.

Hednesford almost took the lead in fortuitous circumstances as Ben Bailey’s speculative cross caught in the wind and landed on Veiga’s bar with the keeper floundering.

Veiga, who retained his place with Nathan Vaughan still out injured, was forced into the first save of the contest after 24 minutes from Jamey Osbourne.

Most of City’s play was outside the Hednesford box and Connor Gater’s drive wide of Dan Crane’s goal was their best effort of the first period.

Hednesford enjoyed the majority of possession and increased the pressure as the half progressed.

A corner from former Worcester captain Tom Thorley was punched clear by Veiga but only as far as Glenn Walker and his shot was scrambled behind by the keeper.

Soon after, a long punt forward by Crane was flicked on by Batchelor to Steve Diggin who lifted the ball over Veiga and inches over the bar.

The Pitmen thought they had broken the deadlock in the 69th minute when Batchelor bundled the ball home from a corner but his effort was ruled out for a foul in a congested six-yard box.

Worcester, who had new signing Connor Collins on the bench, continued on the back-foot and frustrations grew.

Wayne Thomas was booked for an altercation with Paul McCone, who was also cautioned, while Ellis Deeney saw yellow in the second period.

In the end, Hednesford couldn’t find a way through and City held on for a share of the spoils.

City: Veiga 6, Hutchison 6, Shabir 6 (Murphy 62, 6), Rowe 7*, Thomas 7, Jackman 6, Dunkley 6 (Gudger 77), Deeney 6, Nti 6, Geddes 6 (Symons 68), Gater 6. Subs not used: Wright, Collins. Attendance: 701.