NEITHER of these sides, who are languishing in the lower reaches of the Nationwide Conference, gave any clues in this turgid affair that will be anywhere different come the end of the season.
Stalybridge will probably be the happier of the two sides, if only because they kept the first clean sheet of the campaign in game containing few moments of excitement.
Chester must be mystified as to how they failed to take advantage of such an extremely average outfit.
The highlights of the first half were a Richard Peacock effort from 18 yards that rattled the Chester post, while at the other end Porter and Kilganon both shot wide from close range.
In the second half, Peacock shrugged off a poor challenge from the disappointing Sam Hill before firing just wide, while Wayne Brown did well to save at the feet of Williamson, after a dreadful backpass from City substitute Roberts.
Mark Beesley, Chester's leading scorer, turned in his usual competent performance, but time and time again he appeared to be ploughing a lone furrow, as his team-mates squandered promising moves with abandon.
Chester's manager Gordon Hill rapped: "I am pig sick. They were there for the taking. We had chances to finish the game. Someone must take control out there."
The game was watched by another disappointing crowd, as the fans' boycott of the club continues - just 695 turning up.
On this showing, however, it is not too hard to realise who had the more enjoyable evening.
