Rochdale and Bury shared the points at Gigg Lane as the derby day encounter ended goalless.
Manager Keith Hill made two changes to the eleven that lined up against Sheffield United last weekend.
Scott Tanser started at left back, while Jamie Allen returned to midfield. They replaced Tom Kennedy and Donal McDermott, who were named on the bench. Joel Castro Pereira who arrived on loan from Manchester United on Friday afternoon went straight into the squad as a substitute.
In addition to that, there was a return from injury for Calvin Andrew and Ian Henderson, who were also included on the bench.
The Shakers had the first opportunity on goal on two minutes as Nathan Cameron sent a looping effort narrowly over the bar.
Ten minutes later and Dale had the best chance of the half after Lewis Alessandra worked hard to deliver a dangerous ball across the face goal. Peter Vincenti made the run to the back post but he was unable to make a clean connection and his effort, which he scuffed into the ground, was comfortably collected by Rob Lainton.
Midway through the half Matty Lund’s timely and important challenge prevented Danny Mayor, who had charged into the area, getting a shot away.
Six minutes before the interval Hill was forced to make his first substitution of the game after an injury sustained by Joe Rafferty left him unable to continue - he was replaced by Andrew.
The game burst into life shortly before half time as Josh Lillis pulled off two outstanding saves from close range to deny the Shakers. He firstly kept out Leon Clarke, before denying Tom Soares, who had struck the follow up effort. The ball fell for Clarke once more, but Lillis was there to collect.
HT: Bury 0-0 Rochdale
The Shakers had the first opportunity of the second half as Soares lined-up an effort from the edge of the area. His powerful shot was blocked by the brave Olly Lancashire, who threw himself in the way of the on-target effort.
Dale’s second substitution of the match soon followed as Henderson made his return from injury, replacing Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.
Shortly before the hour mark, Lund had a deflected effort comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.
Bury then went on to enjoy a brief spell on top, but the Dale defence, aided by Lillis, defended resolutely and the Shakers failed to register any clear cut opportunities.
In the 77th minute Alessandra was replaced by McDermott, who had an immediate impact. The Irishman’s delivery, which took a deflection on its way into the area, was met by Vincenti, who sent a point black header towards the bottom corner of the net. He was kept out by Lainton, who pulled off a fine reaction save.
Eight minutes from time, Lillis pulled off another outstanding save to deny the Shakers from close range.
In stoppage time, Bury were awarded a free-kick just outside the area. And after it was blocked by the wall, Dale hit Bury on the attack, with Cannon striking over the bar. It was the last chance of the half and the game ended goalless.
FT: Bury 0-0 Rochdale