UNITED'S winning romp came to an end at the Barton Stadium on Saturday.

After four victories had taken them to the top of the North West Counties League Second Division they failed to live up to the favourites' tag against lowly Ashton.

But the visitors proved to be well organised. While they were unable to threaten the Blues they handled the task of nullifying Winsford's recently potent attack capably.

They needed a little luck, of course, and got it when United twice hit the woodwork. And the performance of outstanding young goal-keeper Danny Vickers also helped enormously.

It all meant United did not score for the first time in 15 games The visitors were the first to settle down and Paul Atherton was unlucky to see his ninth-minute effort skim the post.

Winsford are beginning to look dangerous from setpieces and Rob Hanley's 14th minute shot from a Neil Harrison corner was scrambled off the line.

Harrison was the next to have an effort cleared off the line after a run that started near the halfway line. The skilful winger looked to be getting some of his confidence back and when he returns to his best he will be a great asset.

The second half was all Winsford and Harrison was unlucky to see his 35-yard free-kick hit the bar. The ball rebounded to Rob Hopley but his header also hit the bar and the Blues supporters were beginning to feel this might just not be their day.

Ashton seemed happy to hang on for a point and their packed defence looked impenetrable for a Winsford attack that never looked quite up to the devastating standard of the previous week.

Even so, substitute Jamie Williams might have done better with a header in the closing minutes that just cleared the bar.

UNITED: Conkie; Hutchinson, Chambers, Marsh, Stanton; Melia (Williams 82), Quinn, Wellstead, Harrison (McCormack 79); Hopley (Hurley 80), Hanley.

Attendance: 109. Star Man: Chris Hutchinson, adaptable and all action.

Next Best: Rob Hanley. Team Rating: 3. Match Rating: 3.