It was a hard-fought, physical game from start to finish, and through an overtime period as well, and when all was said and done Clinton and Topsail left the field without either team scoring a goal.

Clinton played the last 25 minutes down 1 man, but still fought with all their might, holding the visitors from Topsail.

“I was as proud as I could be of my team tonight,” said Dark Horse coach Brad Spell. “They just did an outstanding job.”

In fact, Spell praised the efforts of both teams, saying Clinton and Topsail played strong and physical throughout the game.

“Both these teams played really hard tonight and, what’s more, they kept their heads. The way they were playing, it probably should have ended in the stalemate,” the Dark Horse coach stressed.

Spell said both teams had good opportunities during the night, and he praised the defensive effort as well. “It was just a good, all-around game.”

Clinton moves to 7-4-1 overall and 3-0-1 n conference play.

They travel to rival East Duplin Monday. Clinton has not beaten the Panthers in their last four meetings.

“It is going to be a tough game. We’ve just got to play smart and hungry,” Spell said.