Rochdale had to settle for a share of the points on Tuesday evening as Dale’s first visit to Bootham Crescent in ten years ended in a goalless draw.
There was just one change to Dale starting eleven as Saturday’s two goal hero, George Donnelly, was given the nod in place of the injured Terry Gornell who limped off at the weekend with a groin strain.
Although Dale played the better of the football in the first half, clear cut opportunities were limited and it was a quiet 45 minutes for both goalkeepers.
The home side were quickest out the traps and Matty Blair sent a deflected shot just inches wide of the upright with just three minutes on the clock.
Despite the early pressure from York City, neither team seemed to get to grips with the match for a spell and chances in front of goal were limited.
Rochdale began to slowly take charge of the game, and as seen on Saturday, Dale looked to break down the opposition with quick passing football, and after some patient build up play they began to apply the pressure in the final third, however to no avail.
On 18 minutes, Donnelly should have capitalised on a mistake outside the area from John McGrath, but instead hit directly at Michael Ingham after going through on one with the ‘keeper.
Shortly before the half hour the Minstermen also saw a golden opportunity in front of goal go to waste as Blair mishit an effort from six yards past the post, while just three minutes later Jason Walker blasted over the bar from close range.
HT: YORK CITY 0-0 ROCHDALE
The second half failed to offer much joy as both sides were unable to find a breakthrough on a frustrating night at Bootham Crescent .
York City offered more in terms of attacking play than in the first half, but despite looking more lively, they failed to truly test goalkeeper Josh Lillis as the Dale defence dealt with any danger in the final third.
On a night devoid of quality, the game needed an injection of life, and Manager Keith Hill introduced Ashley Grimes onto the field of play on 65 minutes in place of Ian Henderson.
The introduction of Grimes added a spark to the Dale side, but they were still unable to test Ingham.
The best opportunity of the half fell for the Minstermen on 72 minutes, but great defending from Kevin McIntyre kept out substitute Alex Rodman who should have headed home from inside the area.
Up the other end, it was clear that it would take a piece of quality on order to break down the York defence, and four minutes later Joe Thompson’s half volley was easily kept out by Ingham.
Bobby Grant saw a long range effort fly over the bar on 86 minutes, before Lillis made sure Dale took something from the match with a fine finger-tip save to keep out McGrath who fired a powerful shot from range in on goal.
It finished York City 0, Rochdale 0.