Rochdale Ladies U16's were looking to bounce back to winning ways in this local derby, but Bury had other thoughts, and, as in their earlier encounter this season, set out to frustrate Dale with their well drilled defence.

Dale started on the front foot with Anna Genders and Fiona Reddin trying to break down each wing. Lizzie Paul and Lizzy Hamer were working hard in midfield to feed and support forwards Coral O'Keefe and Candice Mather, and with Dale pressing forward at every opportunity, Bury were restricted to playing on the break.

This kept Dale's defence of Sophie Barton, Ashley Grindrod, Danielle Thorpe and Jenny Ashton on their toes, but, on the half hour mark good approach play by Dale ended with Coral O'Keefe playing a delightful one two with Anna Genders, and sliding the ball across the keeper and into the far corner for Dale's opener.

By breaking the deadlock Dale relaxed, but within four minutes Bury countered and their centre forward powered through to hit an unstoppable shot past Dale's keeper Beth Walsh.

The second half was a similar story with Dale controlling the game but unable to breach Bury's strong defence.

As the match reached its climax, Dale upped the tempo with Lizzie Paul, Rhianne Ward-Hilton, Zoe Cooney and Lizzie White all going close.

In the closing minutes, Zoe Cooney's near post cross was met by Coral O'Keefe, but her flicked header hit the bar and bounced out to safety.

Bury swept down field and almost snatched a winner, but Beth Walsh made a brave double save and ensured that both teams shared the points.