NEWLY promoted Rossendale Utd have yet to concede a goal in the Unibond League when highly rated Stocksbridge PS came to Dark Lane looking for a draw.

Although the Steelmen played good possession football they had little punch up front, whilst Rossendale's wide men caused no end of trouble.

The match started with both teams testing each other out and the first chance fell to Gary Hurlstone which was well-saved by Dale keeper Mark Andrews. Five minutes later, journeyman Wayne Biggins crossed for Adam Longden to blaze over the bar with just Andrews to beat.

Rossendale's wingers slowly began to take over with Gareth Gardiner and Jerome Fitzgerald creating problems, but the tall Stocksbridge defenders easily dealt with their crosses.

The second half came to life after 50 minutes when a well-worked move saw Dale striker Craig Sargeson blast over the bar with the keeper well beaten.

Stocksbridge then began to play an offside game which stifled Dale's quick, incisive attacks.

Five minutes from time saw the best chance of the game fall to Hurlstone who sliced his shot wide when it would have been easier to score.

Dale could have won the match in the last minute as yet another cross from Gardiner was missed by everybody to leave the scores level.