Wrexham and Rushden & Diamonds both came close to snatching late winners but had to settle for a point apiece in dreary 1-1 draw at the Racecourse Ground.
First Rushden's star man Rodney Jack had a shot brilliantly saved by Andy Dibble and then, immediately, Rushden's Jamie Ashdown did well to push Chris Llewellyn's shot around his post.
It would have been unjust to both sides had the game not ended all square.
Rushden boss Brian Talbot argued that, had his side been clinical, they would have won with Wrexham boss Denis Smith saying that he was delighted with his team's second half display after a very shaky start.
During that period Richard Hanlon had the home goal at his mercy but headed over the bar.
Wrexham took the lead in the 15th minute through Carlos Roberts. His 35-yard left footer going past Ashdown thanks to a deflection off Marcus Bignot.
Jack, who gave the Wrexham defenders a bit of a chasing, equalised in the 30th minute when he was at the far post to hit Paul Underwood's cross home.
Rushden had an amazing escape in the 64th minute when Chris Armstrong forced Ashdown to save brilliantly at the near post. Armstrong put the rebound to the far post but Llewellyn headed against the bar with the goal at his mercy.
Then came the final flourish with Jack having his shot saved and Llewellyn denied a hero's welcome by the home fans by the plucky Ashdown.
Rushden boss Brian Talbot said: "I am happier than Denis Smith because he didn't win at home. It was a good goal from Carlos Edwards.
"He is a very good player and I rate him highly and that's why we marked him throughout the game." Talbot had words about his own striker Rodney Jack: "He's proved a fantastic signing. I could only bring one player in and at least I brought in a good one."