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For the second successive game the striker didn't have his shooting boots on and he squandered a couple of gilt edged chances that he usually puts away with aplomb.
The Shots ended a high tempo entertaining game with only ten men, after Anthony Charles was dismissed with only ten minutes remaining.
Gary Waddock was forced into a change to the starting line-up with Rob Elvins replacing the injured Danny Hylton.
The Shots started well and Ben Harding's free kick from 20 yards was directed straight at Potter.
The visitors then broke away and Charles was booked for bringing down Gleeson.
In the 22nd minute Nikki Bull didn't gather the ball near the bye-line, and from the subsequent cross McEvilly blasted over when under pressure from a defender.
The Shots wasted a good opportunity shortly after, when they were awarded a free kick in a central position, just outside the 'D'.
Kirk Hudson, who again was a livewire for the Shots and deserved his Man of the Match award, smashed his effort well over.
The Shots were playing some fluent football, with Harding again influential in midfield, but on a number of occasions however, the final ball was lacking.
Cambridge looked dangerous on the break and they could have taken the lead in the 42nd minute, after a break down the Shots right.
The dangerous Courtney Pitt put over an excellent cross, but it just evaded Rendell who was sliding in at the far post.
Half time: Shots 0 - Cambridge 0
In the 57th minute Pitt was in the action again, and his cross was met by Mark Beesley at the far post. The ex Forest Green striker, who scored the winner for his former club at the Rec last month, saw his sweetly hit volley well saved by Bull at his near post.
Just after the hour, Scott Davies replaced Elvins who had a reasonable game, holding the ball up well on occasions.
This meant Kirk Hudson pushed further forward, and he came close to breaking the deadlock in the 64th minute.
After a slick move, he took the ball on before unleashing a 25 yard pile driver, which Potter did superbly to push behind.
The Shots were in control now and they should have taken the lead 2 minutes later.
A good move involving Chalmers and Davies saw the latter's first time cross find John Grant with space in the box. He controlled the ball well, but with just the keeper to beat his effort was like a back pass for Potter to collect.
Rob Wolleaston's fierce shot was then well saved by Bull at the base of his post.
The Shots keeper then had to make an acrobatic save, as Morrison's shot took a wicked deflection off Lee Boylan.
On 81 minutes referee Phillips adjudged that Charles had deliberately handled and he produced a second yellow for the Shots defender.
Gary Waddock brought on Rhys Day for Joel Grant to shore up the defence.
An excellent strike from Reed was fortunately for the Shots, directed straight at Bull.
Even with only ten men, the Shots continued to press for the winner.
A super ball from Davies into the right channel gave Hudson the opportunity to use his pace, but he drilled his effort into the side netting.
Another slide rule pass from Davies put John Grant clear of the defence, but again the striker's subsequent effort was poor.
With Torquay only drawing, the Shots boss probably won't be too disappointed with a point, given the quality of tonight's opponents.
TS Ratings:
Bull 6.5, Gier 7, Straker 7, Charles 7, Winfield 6.5, Harding 7, Hudson 7.5, Chalmers 7, John Grant 6, Elvins 6 (Davies 7). Joel Grant 5 (Day),
With thanks to Tongham Shots.