ROVERS Reserves drew a blank at Sportcity in a goalless encounter with Manchester City.
But the game was overshadowed by yet another injury sustained by midfielder Vince Grella after the Australian limped out after a tackle from City striker Adam Nimely.
Grella was immediately substituted with the midfielder holding his knee has he made his way to the dressing room, but reported after the game that it was just a clash of knees and that he came off as a precaution.
There was better news for Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen as he came through the full ninety minutes unscathed with a strong display alongside Grant Hanley at the back.
The match itself saw Rovers dominate throughout but without ever thoroughly testing a young City side.
Junior Hoilett and Brett Emerton had gone close before Grant Hanley saw a shot cleared off the line from an Emerton corner. The young Scot winning the ball at the back post but City defender Trippier was alert to the danger.
Emerton was again the provider on 19 minutes, but Hoilett headed wide when well placed.
Ibrahim fired wide for the hosts whilst Basturk and Linganzi both went close with efforts for Iain Brunskill's side as the half drew to a close.
The second period was slow to get going in the gathering gloom, a deep cross from Lars Jacobsen almost caught out City 'keeper David Gonzalez back-pedalling to tip the ball over the bar.
Chris Chantler's long range strike brushed the side netting, before a challenge on Vince Grella saw the Australian replaced by Jason Lowe.
The final moments saw both side create chances, Ball being denied by Mark Bunn, whilst Pascal Chimbonda saw a header cleared off the line with almost the last kick of the game.
MAN CITY: Gonzalez, Trippier, Chantler, Ibrahim, Vidal, Wabara, Mak, Kay, Nimely, Tutte, Ball.
Subs not used: Redshaw, Karius, Smith, Benali, Veseli.
ROVERS: Bunn, Jacobsen, Chimbonda, Nelsen, Hanley, Grella (sub Lowe 80 mins), Emerton, Linganzi, Di Santo (sub Blackman 86 mins), Basturk (sub Rigters 82 mins), Hoilett.
Subs not used: Kean, Morris.
Booked: Grella (Rovers)
Attendance: 177
