Dale snatch vital point

Rochdale 2 (Murray 63, Doolan 78)
Wrexham 2 (McEvilly 48, Llewellyn 55)
In a classic game of two halves Rochdale came from two goals down at Spotland to rescue what could prove to be a vital point in the context of their season. They looked to be deep in the mire when ex Dale front man Lee McEvilly made an immediate impact as a half time substitute, helping his side to two goals but Glenn Murray headed Dale back into it and John Doolan completed the comeback.

In contrast to his team selection against Milton Keynes on Saurday, Rochdale caretaker manager Keith Hill looked to take the game to the visitors with a 4-3-3 formation as top-scorer Chris Dagnall returned to the side and there was also a place up front for young striker Clive Moyo-Modise.

However, the first half was far from scintillating as the front three failed to gel, with Wrexham looking to contain the visitors, whilst offering very little to trouble Matthew Gilks at the other end; “The first half was non-eventful,” said Hill.

The only clear chance of the half came towards its conclusion as Glenn Murray should have given the home side the lead. John Doolan spread the ball for Dagnall and he stood the ball up to the back post but Murray headed wide from just a yard out.

The second half began in complete contrast and again it appeared as though Murray would put his side in front when he glanced a Callum Warburton corner goalwards. Goalkeeper Ingham looked beaten as the ball looped over him but the ex-Sunderland goalkeeper stretched out an arm and produced a fine fingertip save.

It proved to be an influential stop as substitute McEvilly took advantage of a sleeping back line at the other end barely a minute later. McEvilly found himself with only Gilks to beat after charging through a gaping defensive hole, he picked his spot, and, as he so often did during his time at Spotland, slammed the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

One soon became two as the Dale defence’s desperate start to the second half continued. Again McEvilly had too much space as he chested the ball down and volleyed across goal. This time the keeper saved the miscued strike but with the back line still in a slumber, Chris Llewellyn was on hand to turn the ball into the net.

Hill reflected on the fact that during his two games in charge his defence has performed excellently for the majority, only to pay the ultimate price for their mistakes. He said: “The performances have been good but it’s the ninety minutes and the little mistakes that are costing us. We’ve got individuals who are playing very well for a large percentage of the game and then basic mistakes are costing us, it’s all about concentrating for ninety minutes plus.”

With the mistakes having been made, it was the cue for two immediate substitutions by the temporary Dale boss as some essential width was added to the midfield with Joe Thompson and William Mocquet entering the fray as Dale reverted to a 4-4-2 formation. Mocquet proved to be a joy to watch on the right wing, selling Ryan Valentine a couple of outrageous dummies, which the full back was only too quick to purchase.

Rochdale’s goals, however, came from the opposite flank. Dale got back into things when Murray stole onto Gary Jones cross. Ingham got himself caught in no man’s land, leaving Murray the simple task of nodding into the empty goal.

A defeat would leave Rochdale in dire straights towards the foot of the League Two table and their players knew it as they pushed for the equaliser. The vital goal came with 12 minutes remaining as a half cleared corner fell to John Doolan and he headed towards goal with Ingham having attempted to collect the ball from the set-piece. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced down over the line, Glenn Murray made sure of the equaliser when he slid in with Lee Roche, but the match officials later confirmed that it was Doolan’s goal.

The spectacular second half continued and either side could have won it at the death; Wrexham were determined to make amends for surrendering their two goal lead, whilst the home side looked to put a winning touch to the unlikely comeback. Rochdale nearly achieved their aim and the winning touch was almost Glenn Murray’s when he again stole beyond the last man to latch onto Thompson’s cross but he didn’t make a full connection with the volley and Ingham produced another superb save.

Despite the comeback, Keith Hill was disappointed that his side missed the chance to pick up three home points. He said: “It’s a great comeback from the lads but the manner in which we conceded the goals, if we continue to do that then we’re going to lose games. I think we deserved at least a 2-2 but the goals were awful from a defensive point of view and it can cost you.”

Man of the Match
Chris Dagnall – Was determined to prove his worth having been left out for the Milton Keynes game and he did not disappoint. Ninety minutes of running all over the pitch and some delightful pieces of skill: he didn’t get the chances that his play deserved.

Attendance: 2837

Rochdale: Gilks, Ramsden, Stanton, McArdle, Goodall, Doolan, Jones, Warburton (Thompson 57), Dagnall, Murray, Moyo-Modise (Mocquet 57).

Subs not used: Rigby, Brown, Crooks.

Wrexham: Ingham, Roche, Pejic, Mike Williams, Valentine, Ferguson, D. Williams, Done, Johnson (Crowell 85), Llewellyn, Marc Williams (McEvilly 46).

Subs not used: Jones, Spender, Evans.

Booked: Roche.

Attempts (on target): Rochdale 13 (7) Wrexham 6 (3)
Free kicks: Rochdale 16 Wrexham 17
Offside: Rochdale 2 Wrexham 2
Corners: Rochdale 4 Wrexham 11

Referee: J Moss