WINSFORD United's hectic week opened with a third successive goalless draw on Saturday.

Blues, ahead of tomorrow's rearranged home North West Counties Premier Division game against Glossop North End, extended an unbeaten run in the league to 10 matches with the 0-0 stalemate at Silsden.

Winsford, who also host Northwich Victoria in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup semi finals on Thursday, handed a debut at Silsden to Alfred Hammond, signed from FC United, while Ryan Marley returned after a long lay-off through injury.

Winsford came closest to scoring on Keighley Road Stadium's greasy, sloping pitch.

Marshall’s cross was cleared out to Kyle Riley and his shot crashed against the crossbar. Hammond was first to the rebound but his effort was wide of the upright.

Blues were dominant with the slope in their favour in the second half but they were let down by poor shooting and all too often hesitation when chances presented.

Danny Egan did come close to breaking the deadlock though in the closing minutes, but Daniel Thorpe pulled off a fine fingertip save to deny him.

Against the run of play Silsden almost caught out Winsford on the break on the hour mark.

Craig Nicholls, who had fired wide of the far post in the opening minute of the game, only had Conor O’Keefe to beat but with the goal at his mercy he scuffed his shot wide of the mark.

In the first half, Sam Marshall delivered some fine crosses for Winsford but the Silsden defence dealt with them easily.

Dale Jennings teed the ball up for Lee Wilshaw but his shot was blocked by the packed defence.

At the other end Nicholls’ cross was missed by Chris Wademan when any sort of contact looked certain to result in a goal.

A Danny Egan shot was blocked and Marshall’s effort was deflected over the bar.

As the final whistled loomed another chance went begging, Gavin Ellison’s free kick finding Liam Baker but his header dropped inches wide of the post.

Winsford: O'Keefe (GK), Seol (Marley 63), Wilshaw (Mitchell 63), Baker, Ellison, Hammond, Jennings (Rothwell 90), Riley, Egan, Marshall. Subs not used: Eiselt, Wareing. Att: 103