Rochdale 1 - 1 Northampton

Watch Rochdale's League One fixture v Port Vale on 4 April for just £1

Rochdale were denied victory with virtually the last kick of the game as Northampton’s Paul Anderson earned a point in the 93rd minute. The Dale defence were caught napping as a long punt up field from keeper Adam Smith found an unmarked Anderson who lifted the ball over a stricken Conrad Logan.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing had earlier given Rochdale the lead with a superb curling effort in a game of few chances.

With Keith Keane suspended and Joe Bunney carrying a slight injury, the Dale manager, Keith Hill, made two changes from midweek with Joe Rafferty and Steven Davies coming into the starting line-up.

The first half was a largely forgettable affair with neither side creating anything that troubled the goalkeepers.

The second half improved and it was Rochdale that edged in front when Mendez-Laing sent a curling shot from the edge of the area into the top corner for his 10th goal of the season.

Northampton, who are comfortable in mid table, rallied and went close through Anderson who hit the woodwork twice in four minutes. His low shot hit the outside of the left hand post and then a firm header crashed back off the post.

With time almost, Northampton left the Dale players shell shocked. A long ball from the keeper found Anderson who was left completely unmarked. He made headway towards goal before lifting the ball over Logan to deny Dale the win and virtually end any hopes of a late push towards the play-offs.

It was cruel Rochdale who gave everything but in the end looked completely drained.

Keith Hill now has to lift his side again as they face Port Vale at the Crown Oil Arena on Tuesday evening in the game that is just £1 for any ticket, for any age in any stand.

• http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/128/advertorials/109109/watch-dales-league-one-fixture-versus-port-vale-for-just-1 

Rochdale: Logan, Rafferty, McGahey, McNulty, Andrew, Camps (Rathbone 75), Lund, Allen, Henderson (c), Davies (Vincenti 59), Mendez-Laing.
Subs: (not used) Wilson, McDermott, Morley, Kitching, Gillam.

Northampton: A Smith, Phillips (Moloney 69), Diamond, Nyatanga, Buchanan, Taylor, O’Toole (McWilliams 66), McCourt (Boateng 61), M Smith, Richards (c).
Subs: (not used) Anderson, Beautyman, Cornell, McDonald.

Referee: Mr R Joyce
Assistants: Mr D’aguilar and Mr B Cropp
Fourth Official: Mr P Hodskinson

Attendance: 2,939