For the first half, and most of the second, Rossendale were in total control of the game and, but for some fine goalkeeping by Bennett in the Ossett goal, and the lack of a finishing touch, they had to settle for a point at the end of the game.

With Eastwood and Daniel looking lively up front they had the lion's share of the play in the first half and made several opportunities and efforts by Heywood, Daniel, Lloyd and Eastwood were either just wide of the mark or well saved by Bennett.

It wasn't until the 35th minute that Bracey, in the Rossendale goal, was called into action when he saved a low shot from Senior, which was Ossett's only worthwhile effort of the first half.

In the last minute of the half, a free kick was touched sideways by Eastwood and Heywood's long range shot came back off the post and was scrambled to safety.

More was to come when, deep into injury time, Rossendale were awarded another free kick just outside the box and this time Ingham's effort hit the bar and went over to deny the Stags the half time lead they richly deserved.

The second half continued with Rossendale looking for that elusive goal and Williams and Heywood again came close, but as the half progressed, Ossett began to get more into the game and in the last ten minutes Bracey produced three fine saves to keep Rossendale in the match and give them the point that their efforts deserved.