Warrington Town 0 Altrincham 0

NEITHER side could make a breakthrough as the Evo-Stik Premier Division’s top two met at a wet and blustery Cantilever Park.

Yellows had the majority of the early possession and territory, but both sides struggled to adjust to the conditions as Storm Brian lashed Warrington with wind and rain.

It was the visitors who had the first meaningful effort on goal, however, as James Poole’s long-range free kick took a deflection, forcing Tony McMillan into a save.

With the wind in their favour, the hosts were causing problems from corners, with one particular Rory McKeown delivery flashing across the face of goal.

Josh Hine had an effort blocked out for a corner shortly afterwards, before Abou Sanogo forced a save from Robins keeper Anthony Thompson at the near post.

Shortly after the half-hour mark, Yellows created the best chance of the first half when Hine’s clipped delivery from the right found Jamie McDonald, but he could only steer his effort over the bar when he really should have hit the target.

Sanogo unleased an effort which was straight at Thompson, before McKeown drove a free kick over the bar as the opening period ended goalless.

After the break, the visitors stepped up a gear and monopolised possession, but struggled to break down a resolute Yellows rearguard.

When they did find a way through the defence, they found McMillan in their way as he first denied James Jones at the near post.

Then, however, came Altrincham’s best chance as a nice move saw Jordan Hulme cut the ball back for Poole, who was in space but could only fire straight at McMillan from 12 yards out.

Ben Harrison also saw his effort go straight to the goalkeeper as Altrincham continued to push, but it was the hosts who finished the stronger.

They had the game’s final chance as the visitors failed to clear Sean Williams’ free kick. The ball fell to Evan Gumbs, but the on-loan Tranmere man could only blast an effort on the turn over the bar.

Warrington Town: McMillan, Goulding, McKeown, Gumbs, McCarten, Higgins, Hine, Richards (Kinsella), McDonald (Hughes), Williams, Sanogo (Bakkor). Subs not used: Adam Carden, Barrigan.