A DULL uninspiring game brought the inevitable 0-0 result at Dark Lane and both sides will be happy to have come away with a point.

Rossendale started the game the better of the two sides and in the first 10 minutes could have taken the lead as first Rispin and then Brierley missed chances which, on other nights, they probably would have taken.

After 15 minutes Reynolds tried to repeat his effort from 35 yards at Stocksbridge, but this time his shot was just over the bar. The rest of the half was played out in midfield with neither side looking like scoring with both defences coming out on top.

The second half was played out in much the same was as the first, but after 59 minutes Bird was adjudged to have brought down Ward in the box and the referee awarded a penalty which should have decided the match.

However, Martin in the Rossendale goal had other ideas and produced a tremendous save to keep Rossendale in the game. For the rest of the match chances were few and far between and both sides were relieved to hear the final whistle.

Players and supporters alike will be hoping for a much improved performance on Saturday for the start of the FA Trophy and the match against Colwyn Bay, who are managed by Jimmy Mullen, well known in East Lancashire circles for his time at Burnley and this will no doubt add a little spice to the fixture.

ROSSENDALE UTD 0 KIDSGROVE ATH 0