Southend United 0-0 Rochdale
- Published
Nile Ranger made his first appearance since being released from prison as Southend were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Rochdale.
The former Newcastle striker, 26, was released last month after being jailed for eight months in May after admitting online banking fraud.
Ranger came on as a 53rd-minute substitute in place of Marc-Antoine Fortune but was unable to help Southend make the breakthrough against a Rochdale side who had skipper Ian Henderson sent off five minutes into the second half for a late challenge on Stephen Hendrie.
The Shrimpers had earlier seen Simon Cox's first-half penalty saved by Brendan Moore after Joseph Rafferty had fouled Ryan Leonard.
Rochdale threatened first in the opening exchanges with Jordan Williams having a powerful left-footed shot tipped onto the left post by Southend goalkeeper Mark Oxley.
The Shrimpers wasted an even clearer chance just before the break when referee Tim Robinson pointed to the spot but Cox's low spot-kick was saved down to his right hand side by Moore.
The referee angered Rochdale again in the 50th minute when he showed Henderson the red card for a challenge on Hendrie but Keith Hill's side held on for a point.