NORTHERN Premier League underdogs Skelmersdale put on a stubborn defensive display and achieved a successful shut-out to stifle Chorley’s attacking ambitions in a disappointingly low-key ‘derby’.

The opening half was as stodgy as the heavy pitch and the match only really came to life for a spell in the second half when the Magpies finally threatened to break the well-organised visitors down and were unlucky not to find a winning goal.

Skelmersdale often moved the ball smartly and accurately out of defence but lacked a cutting edge up front, and home keeper Sam Ashton did not have to make a serious save. The Magpies, in contrast, created the chances when upping the tempo in the second half, but earlier were too often guilty of predictable approach work and ponderous distribution in their own half.

In a largely featureless opening period, James Dean missed the best chance, shooting wide of the near post from Darren Stephenson’s neat cut-back.

After the break, United keeper Martin Fearon pulled off a terrific diving save to tip aside Andy Bond’s cracking low drive, but he had no chance of saving low cross-shots from substitute Sam Cosgrove and Dean, which passed just outside the far post.

Cosgrove, on loan from Wigan Athletic, showed an awareness and sharpness that could prove valuable in future games.

Dean was unlucky to see a well-struck goal-bound shot rebound off a colleague in the penalty area and then, following a scramble in the six-yard box, came closest to winning the match with a venomous strike, which cannoned out off a post.