Walsall 0 Rochdale 0

Walsall picked up a point in their battle against the drop in a dour stalemate with Rochdale.

Both keepers were hardly troubled in an affair that had plenty of passion but very little quality.

The Saddlers were the better side in the first half but Jason Price just failed to connect with Tom Williams' cross as an empty net beckoned.

Alex Nicholls had a decent chance when a weak punch from Owain Fon Williams fell at his feet on the edge of the area but he sent his first-time volley straight at the keeper.

Richard Taundry sent a ten-yard header into Williams' arms and Will Grigg ballooned an effort over on the turn after neat work from Nicholls.

A poor game got even worse after the break, although Dale probably edged the second half.

Matty Done sent a near post header wide from a Gary Jones cross and Craig Dawson headed over when well-positioned from a corner.

The only real work eiother keeper had to do all game fell to Jimmy Walker as he dived well low to his left to palm away a Jones effort.

Jason Kennedy sent a header straight at Walker as the game petered out with Walsall unable to create a second half chance of note, despite the introduction of Darren Byfield - making his return after almost six months out - from the bench.