Rochdale and Walsall have played out a goalless first half at Spotland Stadium in League One this evening, despite Keith Hill's side being under pressure for much of the game's opening gambit.

Walsall might have found themselves ahead after a matter of minutes, but Tom Bradshaw saw his early effort blocked on its way to goal.

The away side continued to threaten in the opening passages of play, and Paul Downing spurned a good chance for Walsall when he produced a tame header that was kept out by Josh Lillis.

Rochdale's first major chance did not arrive until after 20 minutes, as Peter Vincenti found himself with enough space to produce a shot that crept wide to the left of the target.

Walsall came back once more as they tried to cap off a dominant first half with a goal, only for Sam Mantom to be denied adroitly at the bottom-left corner by Lillis.