York City 0 - 0 Rochdale

Rochdale were held to an uninspiring goal-less draw by struggling York City. Chances were at a premium for both sides although George Donnelly had a glorious chance when through one-on-one.

Donnelly was included from the start in the only change from Saturday’s game. The striker replaced Terry Gornell who missed out with a groin strain.

The hosts started very brightly and the tricky Matty Blair it a shot that deflected wide in the opening minutes.

Rochdale will be ruing the missed opportunity by Donnelly on 18 minutes. Central defender Jack O’Connell tried to push the ball back to Ingham in the Minstermen’s goal but fell way short with Donnelly racing onto the loose ball. With just the keeper to beat, the former Macclesfield striker hit a weak shot straight at the on rushing Ingham.

The only other chance of the game fell to York’s Blair but the winger scuffed his shot when well placed.

The second period was even slower in terms of chances.

The 2929 inside Bootham Crescent had to wait until the 86th minute for the first real attempt at either goal after the re-start. Bobby Grant flashed a shot wide from outside the area.

The loudest cheer of the evening came on the stroke of 90 minutes when York’s John McGrath hit the home sides first and only shot on target which Lillis comfortably tipped over.

Keith Hill, speaking after the game, said: "We just didn’t quite do enough I don’t think. I thought the lads gave me every bit of energy that they had. They realise how difficult it is to play the way I want them to play and they put everything into Saturday.

"I went with the same team as Saturday with the exception of Terry Gornell, who was injured, but they just couldn’t quite repeat the type of energy and intelligence from Saturday but they didn’t go under.

"If you don’t win a game you make sure you don’t lose it and we haven’t lost it today. The lads want to play the way I want them to play and I see that they understand what I want. It takes time and we are building for next season.

"We had the one stand out chance of the game with George Donnelly. He scored 2 on Saturday and I was expecting him to finish that one but he didn’t. I would take the clean sheet all day every day."

Attendence: 2,929

Rochdale: Lillis, Bennett, Edwards, McIntyre, Kennedy, Cansdell-Sherriff, Tutte, Thompson (Haworth 83), Donnelly, Henderson (Grimes 64), Grant
Subs: (not used) Collis, Rafferty, Rose , Cavanagh, Barry-Murphy

York City: Ingham, Smith, Parslow, Kerr, Walker (Reed 85), Chambers (Rodman 72), Fyfield, Blair, O’Connell, Rankine, McGrath
Subs: (not used) Jameson, Bullock, Potts, Doig, McLaughlin

Referee:  D Drysdale
Assistant Referees: M Astley & R Wigglesworth
Fourth Official: A Tankard