A GOALLESS stalemate kicked off Burnley's Avon Insurance League Premier Division campaign as they took on Rotherham at Millmoor.

Clarets coach Mick Docherty will have taken encouragement from the performance of the Burnley second string with good displays from the central defensive partnership Earl Davis and Arthur Gnohere.

Close season capture from French outfit Caen, defender Gnohere impressed in a strong performance that further presses his claim for a place in the squad.

He will be hoping boss Stan Ternent selects him to face Wimbledon in the Clarets first Turf Moor outing of the Division One season after being on the bench for the opening day 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday.

Burnley went close to breaking the deadlock in the first half through John Mullin and the Clarets hit the woodwork with a header from Damian Hindle. Maylett then set up Matt O'Neill to score but the effort was disallowed for an offside offence.

In the second half Millers midfielder Nick Daws, who was linked with the Clarets while at Bury, had a shot saved by Luigi Cennamo.

And Burnley substitute Paul Barrett hit the bar but they could not break a resilient Rotherham defence.

RESULT: ROTHERHAM RES...0 BURNLEY RES...0

Burnley: Cennamo, McGregor, Eaves, Davis, Gnohere, Johnrose, Maylett, Mullin, Hindle (Barret), O'Neill, Waine. Subs: Grimes, Salisbury, Scott, Fogarty.