Port Vale 2 (Glover 74, Thompson 89) Rochdale 1 (Le Fondre 82 pen) - Full Time Report

Le Fondre equalises for Dale (Port Vale v Rochdale 28-12-08)

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Ten man Port Vale stole all three points in the last minute thanks to a tap in finish from Steve Thompson after Dale keeper Sam Russell had tipped Dave Brammer’s shot onto the post.

Vale had taken the lead with fifteen minutes to play through Danny Glover but he was then sent off for a second bookable offence and Adam Le Fondre equalised for Rochdale from the penalty spot.

Dale looked to go on and win it but Vale rallied late on and Thompson sent the home fans, who had bemoaned their side’s efforts throughout the afternoon, into last minute delirium.

The sides went into the break goalless despite Dale dominating the possession for large periods. Chris Dagnall, Clark Keltie and Adam Rundle all tested Joe Anyon, while Lee McEvilly drilled a shot just wide but the visitors could not find an opening.

Port Vale looked edgy throughout the half but had chances to take the lead themselves through Kyle Perry, who scuffed a clear opening wide and later headed narrowly over the top.

Dale had a couple of early chances and perhaps should have taken the lead when Lee McEvilly got the better of Luke Prosser inside the Port Vale box but he drilled his shot just beyond the far post.

Vale hit back immediately in what was a bright opening to the game, and should have scored themselves when Kyle Perry went clear but his shot trickled wide. Chris Dagnall then brought a reaction save from Joe Anyon as the striker latched onto to Adam Rundle’s cross.

Dale began to get on top of a Valiant side that seemed to be lacking in confidence. The visitors enjoyed plenty of possession but the only chance they were able to carve out saw Rundle draw a fine save from Anyon, tipping a well drilled shot past his post.

Despite Dale’s dominance in and around the Vale box there was nothing to really test Anyon until Clark Keltie’s delightful chip from thirty yards, which was destined for the top corner before Anyon intervened to tip the ball over the top. Meanwhile Vale carved out a rare chance when Perry rose to nod Anthony Griffith’s cross at goal. Sam Russell appeared to tip the ball over but the referee gave a goal kick.

The second half got off to a low key start, with both keepers watching the game pass by for the most part. This prompted Dale boss Keith Hill into making a double change, Joe Thompson and Adam Le Fondre coming on for Rundle and Dagnall.

Port Vale took the lead with 15 minutes to play. Dale failed to pick up overlapping fullback Griffith and Danny Glover got enough on the low cross to turn it beyond Russell. Glover celebrated by taking his shirt off and the decision returned to haunt him when he chopped down Tom Kennedy and got a second yellow card.

The home side did not hang for long with ten men as Luke Prosser shoved Le Fondre over in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Le Fondre rifled home the spot kick.

814 Dale fans were expectant of a late winner but Thompson made his timely intervention to leave the travelling support with a bitter taste in their mouths. 

Attendance: 5720

Port Vale: Anyon, Griffith, McCombe, Prosser, Howland, Brown, Perry (Thompson 67), Glover, Collins, McCrory, Brammer.
Subs (not used): Martin, Lawrie, Davidson, Dixon.

Booked: Glover.

Sent Off: Glover.

Rochdale: Russell, Ramsden, Kennedy, Stanton, McArdle, Rundle (Thompson 65), Keltie (Jones 76), Toner, Higginbotham, Dagnall (Le Fondre 65), McEvilly.
Subs (not used): Wiseman, Spencer.

Attempts (on target): Port Vale 12 (3) Rochdale 10 (4)
Free kicks: Port Vale 15 Rochdale 12
Offside: Port Vale 3 Rochdale 4
Corners: Port Vale 6 Rochdale 4

Referee: D Whitestone.