Substitute striker Jimmy Love gave City the lead on 70 minutes but Rossendale United instantly hit back following an error from rookie goalkeeper Ben Price.

A disgruntled Stimpson berated his players at half-time for their failure to create notable chances and show any kind of desire to win.

But a transformed City made up for lost time by attacking in greater numbers and exerting more spells of sustained pressure in the second half.

Afterwards Stimpson said: "I'm delighted with the result after our first-half performance. We showed a complete lack of enthusiasm and commitment and this was not acceptable.

"I gave the players a few home truths at half-time and I was delighted with their reaction. In the end I thought we just about deserved a draw."

Although City ended a sequence of three straight defeats, the club have only taken one point from their last five games at Giant Axe.

The Dolly Blues will now have to wait until next season to secure their first home win since February 12.

Stimpson made two changes following his side's heavy defeat at FC United of Manchester. Dave Foster returned to action in place of striker Love, while Scott Greenwood replaced the injured Mike Rushton.

Following a scrappy start, the first chance fell to City striker Mark Jackson who blazed a harmless long-range shot over the bar.

But as the half wore on, it was Rossendale who posed a greater physical threat and looked increasingly likely to score.

On 15 minutes, City had a lucky escape when visiting midfielder Andy Watson struck the bar from distance.

City suffered further misery when Mark Jackson hobbled off with an ankle injury. He was replaced by Love after just 23 minutes.

There was another let-off for City midway through the half when visiting skipper Phil Eastwood had a goal ruled out for offside.

Strike partner Tom Williams raced clear on goal but decided to pass to Eastwood instead of shoot. The linesman only raised his flag when Eastwood touched the ball.

Rossendale spurned more chances to go ahead as John Turner and Joe Booth failed to hit the target from close range.

City deserved to be trailing at half-time but Stimpson's team-talk worked wonders and caused the beleaguered hosts to spring into life.

In the opening exchanges, City surged forward and could have netted twice. On 46 minutes, Neil Uberschar latched onto a low cross from Foster but failed to connect well with his shot.

A minute later, Foster delivered another teasing cross from the right but the ball flashed across goal with no-one in the box to supply the finish.

There was a scare for the hosts on 54 minutes when Rossendale broke quickly and Mario Daniel saw a shot comfortably gathered by shot-stopper Price.

But it was City who continued to look more dangerous going forward. Ubesrchar had a shot saved on the hour-mark, while lively substitute Liam Jeffrey nearly broke the deadlock with a spectacular volley on 68 minutes.

After a superb run and cross from Tom Entwisle, the ball fell invitingly for Jeffrey whose venomous strike was brilliantly saved by visiting goalkeeper Lee Bracey.

Yet the breakthrough finally arrived for City two minutes later. Love was perfectly placed to convert a simple tap-in after Bracey failed to clear a cross to safety.

Rossendale responded well and almost equalised from their next attack as Price tipped John Turner's long-range shot over the bar.

But the visitors drew level from the resulting corner. When Price spilled a tame effort from Booth, the ball fell kindly to Daniel who bundled the ball home.

City ended the game strongly and almost snatched victory in stoppage time when a Foster cross evaded the outstretched boot of Love by a matter of inches.

City: Price 6, Uberschar 7, Redhead 6 (Rigby 78), Greenwood 7, Swan 6, Heffernan 6, Entwisle 7, Stringfellow 7, Foster 7, Jackson 6 (Love 23), Helliwell 6 (Jeffrey 64)

Rossendale: Bracey, Henderson, Haywood (Clarkson 56), Booth, Whitall-Williams, Brown, Daniel (R. Watson 87), A. Watson, Williams, Eastwood, Turner. (Unused sub: Eatock)

Starman: Liam Jeffrey made a good impression after coming on. He's a good prospect for the future

Referee: Gordon P Johnson

Attendance: 164