Mansfield Town's hopes of maintaining their Football League status were left hanging by a thread after a disappointing goalless draw at relegation rivals Macclesfield Town.
They frustrated their vociferous away support whose one moment of joy came midway through the first half when prospective buyer John Batchelor was forced from the away terraces by a police escort after he had been previously declined entry to the Macclesfield boardroom.
The watching Wayne Rooney, who had been hoping to see his brother John come off the Macclesfield bench, saw a game of precious little quality.
Macclesfield had the better chances in the first half and would surely have scored a bagful if the England striker had been on the park, but instead the ball fell regularly to youngster Gareth Evans who missed a trio of golden opportunities.
In the eighth minute he headed a Francis Green cross tamely at Jason White, then in the 21st minute he sent a lobbed volley past the far post.
Worse was to follow in the 40th minute when, unmarked and just 15 yards out, he skied a chance over the bar.
Mansfield's best chance to steal all three points came in the 65th minute, but Nathan Arnold's powerful low drive was blocked bravely on the six-yard line by Macc sub James Jennings.
Midfield playmaker Mattie Hamshaw also went close drilling two shots wide of the upright.
They did get the ball in the back of the net in the 87th minute, but Jefferson Louis was ruled offside as he thumped a low shot to the corner.
After the match, Macclesfield manager Keith Alexander confirmed that he had shook hands on a two-year deal at the Cheshire club saying: "We have started a job and it's going to be a great challenge next year."