City were made to settle for a point at the Crown Oil Arena - with a 0-0 stalemate against Rochdale.
Both sides came close but neither proved able able to find a winner, in a game where over 2,500 travelling supporters outweighed the home backing.
The first chance of the game fell City’s way when Jamie Walker’s shot flew just over from the edge of the area.
Just minutes later, Sam Hornby was forced into action from Conor Grant’s effort, before Walker lashed a half-volley goalward after Lee Angol's tee-up, but it drifted a few feet wide.
Rochdale created the first opportunity of a second half which, like the first, was disrupted by injuries for both sides, when George Broadbent’s shot rolled wide.
City pushed for a winner late on, with Walker again testing Joel Coleman in the Rochdale goal, but it was Hornby who had to be alert in the final minute to deny Alex Newby's goalbound free-kick.
ROCHDALE: Joel Coleman; Aidy White (Max Clark 29’), Eoghan O’Connell (c), Stephen Dooley, Conor Grant, Jeriel Dorsett, George Broadbent, Paul Downing, Abraham Odoh, Josh Andrews (Matty Done 36’), Liam Kelly (Alex Newby 52’). SUBS (not used): Jay Lynch, Jim McNulty, Max Taylor, Danny Cashman.
CITY: Sam Hornby; Oscar Threlkeld, Yann Songo’o, Paudie O’Connor (c), Liam Ridehalgh; Elliot Watt (Callum Cooke 24’), Levi Sutton; Matthew Daly (Andy Cook 50’), Alex Gilliead, Jamie Walker; Lee Angol (Charles Vernam 71’). SUBS (not used): Richard O’Donnell, Niall Canavan, Matthew Foulds, Theo Robinson.
REFEREE: Carl Brook
ATTENDANCE: 4,941 (2,563 visiting supporters).