Dave Richards saved a first-half penalty, as ten-man Crewe held on for a goalless draw at home to Nottingham Forest.

The Welshman guessed correctly to deny Brennan Johnson's spot-kick shortly before half-time.

Alex Morris' side were reduced to ten men late on, with Oliver Finney being sent off.

Chances were at a premium for both sides, as the game ended goalless.

Forest had the game's first chance within ten minutes, with Richards making a good stop from an Alex Mighten shot.

Crewe's first chance of the game just before the half hour mark, as a teasing cross from Regan Griffiths evaded a touch as it went across goal.

The first half carried on without many chances for either side, until the referee awarded a penalty to the away side.

Johnson stepped up for Forest, but saw his penalty saved brilliantly by goalkeeper Richards.

The second half started slowly, with the away side having half-chances through two substitutes.

Crewe subsitute Joe Robbins linked up well with Finney, whose bending effort forced a smart save out of goalkeeper Marios Siamdanis.

A Rio Adebisi free-kick then looked destined to find a Crewe head, but it lacked the touch it needed to take it goal-wards.

And with ten minutes remaining, The Alex were reduced to ten men. Finney received his marching orders following an altercation with a Forest player.

Richards made late saves to deny Johnson again, as Crewe held on for a point.

Crewe: Richards, Johnson, Adebisi, Lundstram, Sass-Davies, Oxford, Griffiths, Finney, Reilly (Robbins, 70'), Heath, Knight.

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