THE last time Bromsgrove Rovers and Redditch United failed to hit the target against each other for 90 minutes was 25 years ago.

Sadly, although a competitive game, much of Easter Monday's encounter never looked like providing a different result.

Yet, when the managers toss a coin to see who does the post match press conference, you get the impression they were quite content with a point.

Joint boss Gary Hackett said: "I was pleased with the performance but neither really deserved to win it.

"We desperately wanted to win it but I am pleased we have gained a point."

Although promotion was out of the equation, the battle for Worcestershire superiority was at stake and that was evident in the play.

From the off it was hard fought, competitive and tackling was solid. But that was about all it was for long spells. Bar Les Palmer's volley, Rovers created little of note in a first half of precious few chances shaded by the visitors.

Redditch who created the two best openings. On 21 minutes, James Quiggan had his close range effort excellently saved by Jim McGettrick low at his right hand post.

But it was Marvin Blake, a Rovers player just last month, who squandered easily the games most clear-cut chance five minutes from the break.

Simon Hollis played the ball across the six-yard box and Blake inexplicably scuffed his shot tamely wide with the goal at his mercy.

Substitute Kevin Banner replaced Palmer at half time and seemed to inject a new lease of life to the hosts, providing an attacking option lacking in the first period.

Six minutes into the half and Banner came agonisingly close to putting the hosts ahead. Gary Knight's poor back pass to goalkeeper Richard Anstiss fell short, Banner stole in from the left but his chipped effort drifted inches wide of the far post.

McGettrick was called into action on two more occasions - to parry Quiggan's drive and punch clear Hollis' free-kick - but the visitors could not break through.

Jams Dyson had a close range header saved by Anstiss on 66 minutes but that was as good as it got for Rovers although they got more into the game in the last quarter.

ROVERS

McGettrick 7, Benbow 6, Ford 6, Collins 6, LUTZ 8*, Pope 7, Dyson 8, Palmer (sub Banner 46 mins 7) 6, Burgess (sub Frost 69 mins 6) 6, Danks 6, Beckett 6. Subs not used: Clifton, Hyde, Broadhurst.

Attendance - 740.