Chances were at a premium, but midway through the first half, a U’s counter-attack from a Dons corner saw Zoe Barratt thwarted from a one-on-one situation.

Just before half-time, a long-range effort from Ashlee Hincks was tipped over the crossbar by United goalkeeper Beth Howard.

Early in the second period, Lucy Trinder threaded a ball through for Barratt, who almost got the better of Dons keeper Rose Kite, who was out quickly.

The officials took centre stage deep in stoppage time, after Barratt was wiped out by former U’s keeper Kite, who was booked, with a free kick awarded just outside the penalty box. Phoebie Poole took the set piece, but sent it over.

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United manager Sam Rose said after the game: “We want to win every week, so dropping points is never a good thing.

“Ultimately, we want to be top of the division, and in the short, medium or long-term, try and get this club into the second tier.

“Every game counts, and dropping points is never really okay. I think putting it into perspective, they’ve made it really difficult for us.

“They’ve shut us out, and we’ve not created anyway near enough, other than a one-on-one and maybe a half-chance for a shout for a penalty at the end, that might’ve meant it was a bit of a smash and grab for us.

“It was a scrappy game, we didn’t necessarily get into our flow, and that was the opposition’s work really.

“I think they pressed us and made it difficult for us to settle down. You’ve got to give them credit for that really, but we’re disappointed.”

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The U’s, fifth in the Southern Premier Division, travel to league leaders Exeter City this weekend.

Rose said: “We’re expecting more of the same next week. They’ll be front-footed, organised, aggressive, and they’ll make it difficult for us, so it’s important we dust ourselves down, and try and find a way to dominate in those moments with the ball, and play the way we want to play.

“We’ve kept a clean sheet, and there were some really good moments of individual work to keep the ball out of the back of the net and stop the ball getting into the box.

“I think the effort from the players, particularly in those final moments, was absolutely first class.

“I suppose if you can’t win it, then don’t lose it, so we’ve got a point, and we’ll keep going.

“I think this league’s going to keep going from strength to strength, and every week is going to be difficult.

“I don’t think there’ll be too many easy games as we approach Christmas, and then we’ll see where we’re at.”