Football: Oxford United 2 - 1 Rochdale

Rochdale will head into the final game of the season with their destiny out of their hands after two second half penalties gifted Oxford United the win in a poor game at the Kassam Stadium.

Captain Callum Camps conceded both penalties in similar circumstances which cancelled out Bradden Inman’s opener.

Other results meant that Dale slipped back into the bottom four and need a result next week against Charlton whilst hoping that Oldham slip up against Northampton.

After the midweek draw with Plymouth, Dale had moved out of the bottom four on goal difference and knew a win would keep things in their own hands.

Keith Hill made three changes from Tuesday, Jim McNulty, Joe Thompson and Joe Rafferty were given starts.

The first half was low on quality from both sides.

 Josh Lillis made two regulation saves.

The best chance of the first 45 minutes fell Dale’s way. Ollie Rathbone did well to create space on the right before picking out Calvin Andrew but Simon Eastwood pulled off a superb reaction save.

The second half started slowly.

Rochdale took the lead on the hour mark. Rathbone’s shot deflected into the path of Inman who dropped his shoulder before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

Less than three minutes later Oxford were level. Callum Camps was beaten by Joe Rothwell and as the midfielder raced into the box, Camps bundled him to the ground. Oxford captain John Mousinho took responsibility and rifled the ball into the roof of the net from the penalty spot.

Inman had a glorious chance to score his second moments after when he found himself well placed inside the area but he fired wide with just Eastwood to beat.

A point would not have been a bad result with other score lines but another rash challenge by Camps on substitute Rob Hall initially saw referee Mr Kinseley wave away penalty appeals but an assistant’s flag had him change his mind. Full back Todd Kane took the penalty and sent Lillis the wrong way.

Defeat leaves Dale in dire danger of relegation heading into the final game against Charlton next Saturday.

Oxford: Eastwood, Kane, Dickie, Mousinho (c), Ruffels, Brannagan, Mowatt (Hall 60), Ledson, Rothwell (Ricardinho 89), Thomas (Napa 75), Obika
Substitutes: (not used) Shearer, Nelson, Martin, Carroll

Rochdale: Lillis, McGahey, McNulty, Delaney, Done, Thompson (Gillam 55), Camps (c)(Davies 86), Rathbone, Rafferty, Inman (Dobre 86), Andrew
Substitutes: (not used) Moore, Wiseman, Ntlhe, Hart

Referee: Mr N Kinseley
Assistants: Mr M Wilson and Mr P Hobday
Fourth Official: Mr G Taylor

Attendance: 8,375 (540 from Rochdale)