THIS was a dire encounter between two sides with aspirations of promotion, but on this display, that looks a distant dream for both.

The game was not helped by Hinckley’s desire to play a high defensive line, resulting in an aching arm for the referee’s assistant who flagged for numerous offside decisions.

While it was not pleasing to the eye, it was nevertheless effective for the Knitters, with Droylsden lacking any creativity to break down the visitors’ resolute rearguard.

This was highlighted by the fact that almost an hour had passed before the game’s first shot on target was registered when Paul Brown was denied by Chris Mackenzie in the visitors’ goal.

Prior to that, Hinckley’s Andy Hall saw his dipping volley fly wide in the first half, and Paul Phillips turned away a free kick from the same player early in the second period.

Phillips also had to be quick off his line to thwart Matt West after Steve Halford had allowed the ball to run past him.

Steve Beck was on the end of a great through ball from Tony Gray for the hosts, but he lacked composure and the chance was lost with Connor Franklin clearing up matters for Hinckley.

The Knitters then rode their luck when Richard Lavery stuck out a leg to divert Paul Brown’s cross against his own post.

It was added time before the next chance arrived when home substitute Kevin Leadbetter broke free.

However, he delayed his shot and Neil Cartwright was on hand to clear his shot from almost on his own goal-line.

Attendance: 284