Cambridge United and Bolton Wanderers played out an entertaining but ultimately goalless draw at the Abbey Stadium.

The match was memorable before kick-off even took place as for the first time in EFL history, four members of the Armed Forces were officiating a game.

Kyle Dempsey was dismissed for the visitors with 15 minutes to go , having brought down Harvey Knibbs.

The point leaves Bolton seventh in the EFL League One table, only out of the play-off places on goal difference while the U's are 18th.

Story of the match

In a lively start to the action, Cambridge created the first opening after five minutes, a lengthy goal kick by Will Mannion found James Brophy and he recycled the ball to Joe Ironside, who won a corner.

Seconds later, a cross from Conor Bradley failed to be met by Amadou Bakayoko before former U's defender Jack Iredale sent a floating ball just wide via a deflection.

On 14 minutes, Harrison Dunk set up Knibbs just outside the box, but the shot lacked power and was comfortably taken in by Trotters goalkeeper James Trafford.

As the half-hour mark approached, the hosts enjoyed a good spell in the game, getting down the right flank and creating opportunities from long throws by Lewis Simper.

Bolton nearly caught the U's out as a well-struck volley from Elias Kachunga landed just wide.

Two minutes later, Simper cut in and squared for Lankester, who picked out a spot and fizzed a shot that took a heavy deflection before sinking just under the crossbar.

Cambridge nearly led straight out of the halftime break, a lovely passage of play ending when Knibbs struck from 12 yards only to be denied by the brilliant reflexes of Trafford.

Straight down the other end, Bradley and Kachunga played a neat one-twobefore the former teed up Dion Charles, who went high and wide.

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In the 53rd minute, Simper's corner found Lloyd Jones, whose header was straightforward for Trafford.

With 64 minutes having been played, Mannion was called upon to save a piledriver from the lively Bradley.

Five minutes later, George Williams drilled in a cross that found Jones and he flicked on to Lankester, but the midfielder just lashed over the crossbar.

Bolton manager Ian Evatt then made his first change, sending on Dapo Afolayan in place of Kachunga.

Not even three minutes after the substitution, the visitors should have gone in front. Dempsey won a corner and Iredale's delivery floated to Gethin Jones at the back post, but his header was inches wide.

Moments later, Dempsey was given his marching orders having illegally prevented Knibbs from getting by him.

Evatt then threw on George Thomason and Owen Beck in place of Charles and Iredale.

With five minutes to go, Aaron Morley sent a skidding effort just wide as the visitors went in search of all three points.

In the fifth minute of extra time, Jones flicked on to the outstanding Knibbs, who saw Trafford dive at his feet to divert the shot wide and ensure Bolton would take a point back to Greater Manchester with them.

Player of the match: Harvey Knibbs

Was lively and dangerous throughout, receiving excellent service and testing Trafford on a number of occasions.