Dale’s Emirates FA Cup second round match against Boston United ended goalless at the Crown Oil Arena on Sunday.

This means Dale will travel to The Jakemans Stadium to face the National League North side in a replay, with the date for the tie to be announced in due course.

The visitors went close early on when Dominic Knowles’ headed flick on was almost diverted in at the far post.

Alex Whittle broke down the left flank for Boston but his shot was well blocked by Eoghan O’Connell.

Callum Camps found space in the penalty area before sending a cross into the middle, which was just too high for Ian Henderson.

Then, a neat set piece routine saw Matty Done slice a shot over the bar.

Brian Barry-Murphy opted for an early change bringing Aaron Wilbraham on for Aaron Morley, and the substitute nearly broke the deadlock when he brought the ball down before shooting on the turn, but it was headed behind by a Boston defender.

Dale thought they had the lead on the stroke of half-time when Camps’ shot bounced back off the post, before Henderson put the ball into the empty net, but the assistant referee raised his flag.

In the second half, Andi Thanoj shot straight at Robert Sánchez after Dale were robbed in midfield.

Jordan Thewlis then found space down the right before shooting straight at Sánchez.

Some good work from Thewlis once more saw Thanoj with a chance to score from ten-yards, but his shot was comfortably held by Sánchez.

Luke Matheson had the chance to score for Dale when Wilbraham’s header fell to him, but he shot well wide.

MJ Williams saw the ball fall to him just inside the area, Whittle denying him with a superb block.

Rhys Norrington-Davies tried his luck from 35-yards and it was close, with Boston ‘keeper Peter Crook at full stretch to keep his shot out.

Boston broke forward in the form of Thewlis down the right-hand side, with the winger cutting in before shooting straight at Sánchez.

The final stages saw Dale push on for that all-important goal and they nearly got it, when Oliie Rathbone’s long-range effort was tipped over once again by Crook.

It ended all square, and the result means Dale will face Boston in a replay, with the date for the fixture still to be confirmed.

Dale are next in action on Saturday when they face a trip to Rotherham in the Sky Bet League One, with ticket details available HERE.