HALLEN’S title hopes appear to be hanging by a thread after a return of one point from two games over the Easter Bank Holiday.

Following defeat at promotion rivals Merthyr Town on Friday, they were held to a goalless draw by Bishop Sutton at the Hallen Centre on Monday and are now eight points off the top with just four games to play.

Although Hallen have still got to play league leaders Bitton at home and have two games in hand on them, in-form Merthyr have played the same amount of games and are six points better off, while Larkhall Athletic are five points clear, albeit having played one less.

Bishop Sutton had the better of the first half with Ashley Bennett coming closest to scoring for Hallen, with one effort he hit wide and a 30-yard strike that was saved.

Sam Burgess made a fine save in the second half to keep Hallen on terms and they almost grabbed a late winner against the run of play, only for Tom Collett to hit the post.

* Hallen visit struggling Sherborne Town on Saturday.

Merthyr Town 4 Hallen 1

IN FRONT of a crowd of 705, Hallen appeared to be overwhelmed by the occasion as they lost to Merthyr on Good Friday.

Ian Taylor gave the Welsh giants a third minute lead and scored again 20 minutes later to double their advantage.

Kris Leek put Merthyr 3-0 up on 54 minutes, and although Kyle O’Donovan gave Hallen brief hope by pulling a goal back with five minutes remaining, Ryan Newman completed the scoring one minute later.

Hallen Sunday beat Lebeq Reserves 2-0 in the GFA Sunday Intermediate Cup Final at Oaklands Park.

Nicholas Alexander scored a 28th minute penalty and Robert Allen headed in the second with five minutes left.

* Danny Lane scored the winner in Almondsbury UWE’s 1-0 win at Portishead on Friday.