Rossendale United earned a point from a drab Lancashire derby at Bamber Bridge as they thwarted a strikeforce led by their former boss Phil Eastwood, pictured.

There was little goalmouth action of note - but after losing six of their first eight UniBond League first division north games, the draw was well received by Dark Lane chief John Hughes.

Bridge gave a debut to former Morecambe and Bournmouth winger Jerome Watt but even he couldn’t lift the home side against a determined Stags.

But keeper Tom Brocklehurst earned his corn with a fine save to deny Lennie Reid in the first half. And United could have gone in front when Alex Leke shot over when he should have done better.

Brocklehurst also denied Eastwood a goal before Leke had the ball in the net only to see his effort ruled out for handball.

The second period was to prove just as frustrating with chances at a premium at both ends.