Ashton United 0 Warrington Rylands 0, match report

However, Michael Clegg’s side were forced to settle for a third draw in four matches at Ashton United on Saturday afternoon.

In what was Blues boss Clegg’s first return to Hurst Cross since resigning as Robins manager a year ago, both sides had moments of joy in an ultimately goalless encounter.

The woodwork was hit at either end – twice in a matter of seconds for the hosts from a set piece while Adamah Sidibeh rattled the post for Blues.

The result means Rylands remain second in the NPL Premier Division table.

Ben Hardcastle shoots for goal in the second half (Image: Mark Percy)

Read Matt Turner's verdict on the game below

A FRUSTRATING mini-run continues for Warrington Rylands.

And while it is not causing them too much damage in terms of their league position with the boost of rivals losing points thanks to Marske United’s unfortunate demise to come too, it is one they will want to snap out of quickly.

Still, they are equipped enough to know the corner is not far away from being turned despite a display at Ashton United that was far from vintage.

Both sides will feel they did enough to win this contest – a scrappy affair on a heavy pitch that was typical of the time of year – but a draw was probably a fair result.

From a Rylands perspective, however, their frustration will stem from not being awarded at least two - possibly three - seemingly clear penalties.

The first of them saw Ashton keeper Luke Simpson clumsily bundle Djavan Pedro over inside the area and if that fell into the "seen them given" category, the two that followed appeared much more clear-cut.

The first of three incidents Rylands felt should have resulted in a penalty as Djavan Pedro is bundled over by Ashton goalkeeper Luke Simpson (Image: Mark Percy)

A free kick was awarded on the edge of the penalty in first-half injury time despite the foul on Ben Hardcastle clearly taking place inside the area. It nearly mattered not as Hardcastle sent the free kick towards the top corner, only for Simpson to pull off an excellent save.

Then having been put under the cosh after half time – a period in which they were fortunate to survive with their clean sheet intact as Ashton hit the post and crossbar and forced Luke Pilling into an incredible save in a matter of seconds – a typically incisive attack saw Mo Touray fouled in the area only for the ball to break to Adamah Sidibeh.

Advantage was played and Sidibeh struck the post but to the dismay of all in blue, the official did not call play back for the earlier infringement.

So while they can justifiably feel annoyed at those decisions, they must also look at themselves as their run without a win stretches to four matches.

If their momentous win at league leaders Radcliffe was meant to kick them on, it has instead had a stalling effect and with fellow contenders Whitby Town visiting Gorsey Lane next, they will not want to slip up again.

Warrington Rylands: Pilling, Smith, Swaby-Neavin, Butler, Regan, Furman, Hardcastle, Neild (German), Pedro (Adams), Touray (Hough), Sidibeh. Subs not used: Baillie, Uche

Adamah Sidibeh is beaten in the air (Image: Mark Percy)