Rossendale United 1 Maine Road 1

DALE completed their North Western Trains League programme with a battling point against mid-table Maine Road.

And the future looks bright for the Dark Lane club after manager Micky Graham fielded six teenagers in his starting line-up in a bid to give them a taste of first team action.

United were knocked out of their stride by first half injuries to Paul Hargreaves, Martin Pearce and Vinnie Patterson who all limped off with twisted ankles. The visitors seized the initiative and Darryl Sloane pulled off three brilliant saves to keep his side in the game. But two minutes after the break a near post corner was flicked on to Paul Wadsworth who beat Sloane at the back post.

United rallied, though, and Sean Bursnell, Craig Sargeson and Danny Heys all had chances to pull one back before the equaliser arrived with 17 minutes left. Substitute John Hughes released Bursnell who flicked the ball past the keeper and squeezed home a shot from the tightest of angles.

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