Port Vale 0 Rotherham United 0

Last updated : 13 April 2009 By Footymad Previewer
A disappointing bore draw looked inevitable long before the final whistle as two teams with little to play for provided precious little inspiration.

Neither goalkeeper had a save to make worthy of note although Rotherham's Drewe Broughton did strike the woodwork in the first half.

Port Vale recalled Simon Richman and Anthony Griffith to the starting line-up while striker Kyle Perry made a rare start following a loan spell at Northwich Victoria.

Mark Robins opted with the same side that had defeated Notts County two days earlier and the visitors began brightly with Pablo Mills having a couple of shots blocked.

However, Vale came back into the game and went close in the 19th minute when Paul Marshall's cross found Perry unmarked, but the former Chasetown forward headed over from eight yards.

Rotherham were agonisingly close to taking a 31st minute lead when Broughton met Dale Tonge's cross with a firm header that thudded against Chris Martin's left-hand post.

The rebound fell invitingly into the path of former Vale midfielder Micky Cummins six yards out, but he blazed over when it looked easier to score.

Rotherham also bossed much second half, but the Vale defence held firm despite a couple of goalmouth scrambles.

United's winger Reuben Reid, who had hit ten goals in his previous ten games, was struggling to make an impact as the match turned into a typical end of season contest.

Both managers used all three of their substitutions in an attempt to spark the game contest into belated life, but it was to no avail.