ROCHDALE 0, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
Oldham Athletic remain unbeaten on their travels following a goalless draw in their Sky Bet League One derby at Rochdale.
Latics and high-flying Walsall are the only two teams in the division to taste defeat on the road as this was their seventh draw in eight games.
After winning at Swindon Town in midweek, manager David Dunn unsurprisingly kept the same side with Brian Wilson retaining his place in the centre of defence, even though Jonathan Burn was available after suspension.
Unlike last season, when Latics won both games 3-0, this was a relatively tame affair, a game of few goalscoring chances.
Latics had an early shout for a penalty rejected when Jay Fulton went tumbling in the box following a challenge by keeper Josh Lillis, but it was rejected.
Dale had a great chance to take the lead after 17 minutes when Andy Cannon’s cross found former Latics’ player Lewis Alessandra who blazed over from six yards.
Latics were the more dangerous side as Brian Wilson and Michael Higdon both had half chances, but they lacked a ruthless cutting edge.
They had the best chance of the opening half when, after 35 minutes, James Wilson headed wide from a Mike Jones free kick.
Latics had a lucky escape late in the half when Ian Henderson’s header from Jamie Allen’s corner was tipped on to the upright by keeper David Cornell.
And they were forced into their first change before half time when Mike Jones limped off to be replaced by Dominic Poloen.
Ian Henderson had a chance for Dale and Danny Philliskirk for Latics, but neither looked like breaking the deadlock.
With less than 20 minutes left, Cornell produced a great save to deny substitute Nathan Mendez-Laing who eluded the offside trap but could not beat the keeper from 10 yards.
It was turning out to be a derby that failed to live up to expectations as it never ignited.
Dunn pushed Poleon up front to partner Higdon in an effort to beat the deadlock and the two caused a nuisance in the final 10 minutes.
Latics had one last chance in stoppage time, but substitute Mark Yeates blazed over from 35 yards, a sorry chance that reflected the game.