THERE was little to stir a crowd of 1,004 in this stodgy encounter as Chorley and Colwyn Bay played out a 0-0 draw in the Vanarama Conference North.

Gritty Colwyn Bay showed why they have lost only once in ten away games as they nullified the Magpies’ best endeavours and in fact had the best chances to nick the points.

Standing in their way was ‘keeper Sam Ashton who produced two superb second-half saves which ensured that Garry Flitcroft’s side extended their current unbeaten run to seven matches.

“It was a difficult pitch today,” said the Chorley boss.

“There wasn’t much room to play as Colwyn Bay closed us down well and were quick onto the second ball. But we did enough to win the game and just needed a chance to drop for us from one of some very good set pieces.”

Neither side was really close to a goal in a sterile first half and the first excitement came on the hour when a well-flighted left-wing cross left Bay’s Marc Williams with the goal at his mercy at the far post.

But Ashton pulled off a stunning reflex save at point-blank range and when Williams tried to pot the rebound Andy Teague headed off the line.

A double substitution gave Chorley a better attacking shape and Bay’s defenders saved their side with several crucial headers at full stretch in the six-yard box as Chorley forced a string of corners. However Ashton had to excel again in diving to hold onto a stinging low drive from Wrexham loanee Anthony Stevens.

Then Rob Hopley broke through but under pressure from Mark Ross could only hit the side net.

The Magpies had two late chances to win the game.

Teague rose high to meet a free kick but his header lacked power and was scrambled clear, then after Jake Cottrell’s fierce drive had been charged down, Dale Whitham was left with ‘keeper Liam Sharpe to beat from eight yards.

Needing to shoot first-time, he opted for power rather than placement and fired high and wide.