ROSSENDALE'S season ended as it began, a poor game away from home between two decidedly average teams.

Dale have gone through three managers and the best part of 50 players since the opening day defeat at Farsley.

But, despite an improvement over the last two months of the season, performances on the pitch remained, by and large, a big disappointment.

Saturday's game was no different and until Chris Brooks headed Dave Gamble's free kick over the bar in the 29th minute neither side had made an attempt at goal.

Things improved slightly and Belper goalkeeper Gary Ingham produced a superb double save to deny Brooks then Ian Barker's volley drifted just wide.

At the opposite end, Sean Gummer failed to test the keeper with his tame header in the 45th minute.

Belper had the better of the second half chances, with Michael Lyons forcing a good save from Mark Molyneaux.

But the best effort came from Dale centre half Greg Challender. His spectacular overhead kick thumped the crossbar on the hour with Ingham beaten.

Andy Simpson had a chance to steal the points with 10 minutes remaining but the Belper substitute headed wide.

Despite Jim McCluskie's final cameo appearance in Dale colours, the game fizzled out into a draw.

BELPER TOWN ...0

ROSSENDALE UTD ...0