Silsden 0 Winsford United 0

NEW boss Ryan Haigh was left still waiting for his first win since officially taking over at the Silsden helm but was delighted with the players' commitment.

Along with Chris Price, Haigh also had the newly-appointed assistant Danny Bolton in the dugout for what was an entertaining game despite both sides drawing a blank.

The new manager (although he has effectively been leading the team for two months as Andy Geary eased down from his post) said: “After two below- par performances against Congleton and Bacup, we needed a response.

"We had worked hard at Colne in midweek but they were too good for us. Today the defence was magnificent and everyone worked hard for the team. We have stopped the rot."

The visitors had moved up the table, recording three victories and three draws but it was the Cobbydalers who dominated the early exchanges, Craig Nicholls producing two snapshots.

A free-kick from Ben Crabtree was flicked on by Danny Fagan but Aaron Hollindrake just failed to get a touch on the ball.

Danny Thorpe's set-piece was headed down by Chris Wademan to Nicholls, who brought a fine save from Conor O'Keefe before Matty Moses headed the ball to Hollindrake, who shot low but wide of the far post.

At the other end, a superb tackle by Danny Fagan denied Danny Egan a chance and then Matty Moore cleared up after Kyle Riley had won the ball in the Silsden area.

The clearest opening of the half fell to Hollindrake, who just failed to get a touch when stretching to reach Moore's cross.

The final minutes of the half saw the visitors putting pressure on the Silsden defence. Corners were their best outlet with four very tall players testing the Silsden defence. Egan hit a snap-shot which was blocked by Fagan but, with five minutes to go before half-time, the visitors nearly took the lead.

A corner from the right was swung in and Thorpe, under pressure from two Winsford centre backs, managed to get a hand on the ball. It fell to Riley, who rattled the bar with a fierce drive.

Winsford started the second half as they had finished the first but Silsden responded with some excellent defending. Fagan blocked an effort from Riley and then Moses denied the same player with a magnificent tackle.

On the hour-mark Silsden finally got the chance they had worked for. Moore won two tackles in midfield as both Wademan and Nicholls broke clear. The Silsden midfielder pushed the ball to Wademan, who dragged his defender to the left before sliding the ball into the path of Nicholls, who broke into the area. Nine times out of ten the striker would have scored but he dragged his shot wide of the far post.

Immediately the Cobbydalers were nearly punished at the other end. Alf Hammond sped down the left before crossing for Dale Jennings, who weaved his way past two defenders before running the ball out of play.

Haigh then brought on former favourite Andy Lee for the tiring Wademan and he raised the bar with his pace. Setting Moses free on the right, he drove into the area for the return which he headed over the bar. Dale Feather, back from a long term injury, came on for Joe Jalil.

With three minutes left Thorpe saved an effort from Marshall and Crabtree denied Jennings a late winner at the expense of a corner.

Four minutes into injury time, Hollindrake held off Ellison and Lee burst through and curled a shot agonisingly wide. It could have been a Roy of the Rovers moment.

The 43 free-kicks and five cautions in no way reflected the game. Both sides should be complimented for providing an entertaining spectacle on a greasy pitch.

Haigh added: "It was good to have Dale back and, when Andy came on, he nearly got us back on the winning trail. We'll be working hard and aiming to push up the table. We have some tough games to come but we'll be well prepared.”

On Saturday the Cobbydalers entertain AFC Liverpool.

SILSDEN: Thorpe, Moses, Crabtree, J Mitchell, Fagan, Lamb, Jalil (Feather 83), Moore, Hollindrake, Wademan (Lee 63), Nicholls (D Riley 76).