half-chances

Yet with their visitors adept at defending in numbers when required, Boro generally struggled to create clearcut openings and, once Faris Haroun and then Emnes proved unequal to a trio of half-chances, it rarely looked like being Mowbray's night.

Middlesbrough 0-2 West Ham United | Championship match report 2011

Australia have played much of this series in the field at half-pace, England at break-neck speed, with the consequence that England have created and exploited half-chances, whereas Australia have not.

Australian Frailties Shown Up by Comical Run-Out Michael Atherton 2011

Despite having nothing but pride to play for, the Spanish club would have pleased any watching Manchester City fans after starting brightly and carving out half-chances for Marco Ruben in the first half.

Villarreal 0-2 Napoli | Champions League Group A match report 2011

Venezuela were more enterprising in the second half and the match became more even, with half-chances at both ends, but none were clear-cut and the match fizzled out into a disappointing draw.

Holders Brazil play out Copa América draw with Venezuela 2011

Rovers battled gamely but they were never able to find the quality they needed to take one of the half-chances which came their way as the visitors cruised towards the final whistle.

Shamrock Rovers 0-3 Rubin Kazan | Europa League Group A match report 2011

The batsmen have to show they can outlast him, that they have the patience to win the battle by leaving or blocking the good balls and seizing the half-chances to score runs when they come along.

The Ashes 2010: Duncan Fletcher's and Stuart Clark's player analysis Duncan Fletcher 2010

Not interested in the debate about shots and half-chances. 1 to 11 outplayed their opponents.

Manchester City 1-2 Everton | Premier League match report 2010

There were signs, indeed, of the kind of disintegration so often visited upon England teams, as Mr. Trott and Mr. Cook ground on remorselessly, Australia ' s bowlers toiled, seemingly bereft of inspiration, and their fielders fumbled and spilled half-chances and even, when Michael Clarke put down Mr. Trott at slip on 75, straightforward ones.

Australia Toil as Records Fall 2010

Despite some clever breaks and refreshingly inventive first-half passing from City, Bruce's five-man midfield proved an obdurate barrier, largely restricting Mancini's men to half-chances – even if Mignolet did save well from Yaya Touré.

Sunderland joy after Darren Bent penalty sinks Manchester City 2010

A pedant might take issue with his early inability to take the half-chances he was offered and a better volleyer than Tsonga might have caused more angst in pale evening sunshine.

Wimbledon 2010: Andy Murray's passion play dazzles Centre Court stars 2010