JAN Budtz enjoyed a fine display to earn Hartlepool United a valuable point in a goalless draw at Crewe.

With both sides entrenched in a relegation battle, Pools will be happy with a point to keep the distance between themselves and the drop zone.

The first-half was a nervous and edgy affair, with chances scarce. Budtz made his first stop in first-half injury time, denying Marlon Broomes at the foot of the post.

But he excelled in the second half, diving to his left to push out a goalbound Gyfil Sigurdsson effort and then again to deny Clayton Donaldson.

Pools best chance came from a hectic goalmouth scramble.

On loan striker Daniel Nardiello, in for the absent Joel Porter, was twice denied. Left-back Billy Jones hacked off the goalline and then goalkeeper John Ruddy dived forward into the mix to scramble away.

Crewe, however, should have won it in injury time.

Midfielder Sigurdsson charged ahead into the penalty area, but was put under pressure and bounced wide. shoot wide under defensive pressure.