Scunthorpe 1 - 1 Rochdale

Scunthorpe v Rochdale

Ian Henderson’s eighth goal of the season wasn’t enough to earn the three points as Scunthorpe came from behind to earn a point. Henderson latched onto a Callum Camps shot to slot home before David Mirfin headed Scunthorpe level eleven minutes later. Scunthorpe keeper Luke Daniels denied Henderson and Andy Cannon in a man-of-the-match performance.

After the Boxing Day clash against Crewe was postponed due to the weather, Rochdale looked fresh as they took on a Scunthorpe side that hadn’t won at home in the league since October.

Peter Vincenti headed wide with the goal at his mercy after Daniels failed to deal with a McDermott corner.

Castro Pereira in the Dale goal was a virtual spectator in the opening exchanges.

Dale took the lead when Camps’ weak shot was seized upon by Henderson, who tucked the ball away from close range with the Scunthorpe defenders calling for offside.

Scunthorpe were soon level as Rochdale failed to deal with another set piece. A diagonal ball into the area from a free-kick on the half way line, was knocked back into the area with David Mirfin running on to head over Castro Pereira.

Scunthorpe’s tails were up and they pressured Dale with the Dale keeper pulling off a fine reaction save to deny Paddy Madden.

Right on the stroke of half time, Calvin Andrew brought about a smart save on the line from Daniels when he met a Rose corner.

The second half started slowly but sprang into life just after the hour mark.

Henderson sent a dipping header towards the bottom corner, Daniels somehow managing to tip it around the post.

Peter Vincenti had a huge appeal for a penalty turned down when he appeared to be hauled to the ground whilst lining up for a corner but referee Bond turned down the appeals.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing fired into the side netting after bundling his way into the area just five minutes after coming on as a sub.

Calvin Andrew whipped a shot agonisingly over the bar after a mix up between Scunthorpe keeper Luke Daniels and defender David Mirfin left the goal virtually unguarded.

Scunthorpe went close when substitute Darius Henderson hit the post after a superb Scott Wiseman cross.

Daniels had the last say in proceedings when he got down well to push away Andy Cannon’s late drive.

Attendance: 3,860

Rochdale: Castro Pereira, Cannon, Lancashire, McNulty, Rose, Lund, Henderson (c), McDermott (Mendez-Laing 68), Camps ( Bennett 84), Vincenti, Andrew
Subs: (not used) Lillis, Eastham, Alessandra, Allen, Bunney

Scunthorpe: Daniels, Wiseman, Mirfin, Canavan, Laird, King, Bishop, Williams (Henderson 68), Dawson (c)(Van Veen 83), Rowe, Madden
Subs: (not used) Anyon, McAllister, Goode, Ness, Clarke

Referee: Mr D Bond
Assistants: Mr M McGrath and Mr J Whiteley
Fourth Official: Mr P Graham