Crawley Town pushed Hastings United closer to the relegation trap door as they secured a 0-0 draw at the Pilot Field.

Hastings needed a win to put pressure on teams above them in the premier division drop zone but for the third game running they failed to find the back of the net.

Hastings had the better of the derby but were unable to make the most of a couple of presentable second-half chances.

Ellis Remy had a great opening when he was left unmarked in the box but his side foot finish was comfortably gathered by keeper Andy Little.

Danny Simmonds was also denied by a Little point-blank save in added time as Hastings threatened to pinch a precious victory.

Hastings manager George Wakeling said: "It was a good performance. We were the side which put four or five passes together on a bumpy pitch and created a couple of good chances.

"Simmonds said he should have scored and I know Remy should have scored but there was a lot of frustration and nervous tension out there. We were positive and we attacked the ball."

Crawley had the first genuine chance of the match when Nigel Brake blazed over from the edge of the six-yard box.

Paul Ruddy responded for the hosts with a stinging volley which Little did well to parry low at his post.

Hastings had more of the ball in the second half but the visitors still posed the occasional threat and only a smart save by Dave King kept out Jamie Taylor.

The derby threatened the boil over in the final 15 minutes when all the players, other than keeper King, became involved in a touchline skirmish, the outcome a solitary caution for Crawley defender Marc Pullan.