Hillians boss Gary Croydon may well have known a thing or two when he opted to miss the home draw with Rothwell in favour of a short holiday abroad.

Assistant manager Jason Rutherford rightly pointed out that it was a performance that under-lined how much the players have learned at this new level as they ground out a draw.

Steve Harper and Nicky Sullivan were both denied by excellent second half saves by John Hughes, who needed the help of the bar to keep out Sullivan's header from a corner.