Leeds United's championship dream is still on despite this goalless draw at FA Cup finalists Liverpool.
This was supposed to be the acid test for their title chances, with United expected to overcome Luton and Leeds needing a victory over a Liverpool side that has a record 18 titles to its credit.
But the big match encounter rarely lived up to its billing, with only sporadic moments of excitement with a gusting wind as much to blame as any possible nerves.
Leeds, though, still had the chances to seize a famous victory but squandered them.
Rod Wallace, their 1.6 million pound striker, was guilty of the most glaring miss when put clean through on the half hour. He broke into the penalty area but spurned the chance to shoot, deciding instead to lay the ball off to strike partner Lee Chapman. But it ran to far and Steve Hodge, on the overlap, could only manage a weak shot wide.
Gary Speed was also disappointed with two tame efforts that failed to trouble Bruce Grobbelaar while substitute Eric Cantona, who scored a spectacular goal against Chelsea at Elland Road last week, volleyed over in injury time.
Defender Chris Fairclough came closest to breaking the deadlock but saw Ray Houghton boot the ball off the line with just 13 minutes left.
Seconds earlier Jan Molby had hoofed clear a yard in front of his own goalline as Leeds, encouraged by the news of the United-Luton score, tried to take advantage.
But Leeds had to survive a series of scares themselves, not least a penalty appeal on the hour when Chris Whyte appeared to pull Rush off the ball but Whitley Bay referee Ken Redfearn was not impressed.
John Lukic produced a string of fine saves to keep Leeds on terms. He produced one double save to deny first Rush and then Michael Thomas, with other stops keeping out efforts from substitute Mike Marsh, Rush and a screamer from John Barnes.
Howard Wilkinson said: "Obviously we would have loved to have won here but you don't go for unrealistic targets when you don't have to. When the time comes and it is twist or bust then we will go twist, don't worry about that."
Wilkinson expected to have influential captain Gordon Strachan back to face Coventry at Elland Road on Monday after the Scottish international was rested at Anfield. Wilkinson explained: "I had a chat with him yesterday and decided it was in everyone's interests to leave him out today with a view to being available for our three remaining games."
But while Strachan will be back, Steve Hodge is rated doubtful after badly twisting his ankle.
Liverpool also have injury troubles stacking up as they close in on their May 9 FA Cup Final date with Sunderland at Wembley.
Grobbelaar pulled a hamstring while midfielder Michael Thomas damaged an ankle to join Ronnie Whelan (hamstring) and skipper Wright (hamstring) on the Anfield treatment table.
But caretaker manager Ronnie Moran said: "We'll just have to wait and see how they are but we won't be taking any chances on anyone." And about his side's performance against would-be champions Leeds, he added: "We looked like the team that was going for the championship. Their goalkeeper kept them in it".
Liverpool have the chance to also frustrate Manchester United on Sunday in a live televised clash at Anfield with Moran vowing: "We won't be relaxing or taking anything easy. You can't do that with an FA Cup Final coming up."
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