Rochdale 1 - 1 Oldham

Rochdale 1 - 1 Oldham
Marcus Holness wins the ball

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Oldham survived a second half onslaught by Rochdale to leave Spotland with a point in a classic game of two halves. Oldham enjoyed dominated the first period but Dale fans left the ground wondering how Keith Hill's side failed to take all three points.

The Rochdale manager made just one change to his starting line up with Jason Kennedy replacing Brian Barry-Murphy in the centre of midfield.

It was a fairly even start to the game as both sides looked to get to grips with tricky conditions caused by the freezing temperatures. The visitors looked the best equipped early on; stronger and quicker and always threatening going forward.

Dale's cause wasn't helped by the early interruption of Hill's plans after Joe Thompson limped out with a hamstring problem, he was replaced to good effect by Matt Done, though it wasn't fully evident in the first half as Oldham continued to take the game to Dale and it was no surprise to see the visitors take the lead on 16 minutes.

Cedric Evina netted his first for Oldham after Jason Kennedy lost possession to Tonkara 22 yards out. Tonkara cleverly rolled the ball into the path of Evina who made no mistake with a fine finish.

The first half an hour passed Hill's side by but gradually the signs of a team finding its feet emerged. The first real effort that had Latics 'keeper scrambling arrived via the boot of Bobby Grant, his curling shot from the edge of the box narrowly wide.

A minute later Matt Done levelled the game after a well worked team effort down the right flank.

Scott Wiseman began the move with a lovely ball to meet the exquisite run of Nicky Adams, who got in behind the defence before firing a low, dangerous cross that was met inside the six yard box by Done, who finished from close range.

It looked as though Dale would be going into the break on level terms with their near neighbours, however, had Dean Furman's strong shot in the final moments of the half been either side of Josh Lillis then it would have been a different story. Fortunately for Dale, Lillis was positioned well and made a smart save and it stuck.

Dale started the second half well with two early efforts. The first came via a superbly worked effort on the right with Matt Done almost finding Nicky Adams on the back post. Black defending excellently to deny Adams as the pair raced to meet the ball, with the Latics defender getting enough of the ball to prevent his side going behind.

It wasn't long before the Dale got another opportunity, as they turned up the temperature at a freezing cold Spotland. Chris O'Grady outwitted the Oldham midfield before he found Bobby Grant with a superb through ball into the box. With just the 'keeper to beat, Grant turned to put the ball on his favoured foot but the surface came to Oldham's aid with the on loan striker slipping at the vital moment, allowing the defence to mop up and clear the danger.

The chances racked up against an Oldham side who rarely ventured into the Rochdale half in the second half.

Nicky Adams must have thought he was on the score sheet after his point blank header bulleted towards goal. Dean Brill produced a superb flying save to block Adams effort on the line.

Skipper Gary Jones looked to add to his tally for the season with a vicious drive from 20-yards that was tipped over by Brill as the pressure mounted on Oldham.

That pressure could have been more had match referee applied the letter of the law after Bobby Grant was hauled down by M'Voto when clean through. Mr Bates opting to give the Oldham defender just a yellow card much to the annoyance of the home support.

Rochdale continued to push and the visitors were reduced to very little in the way of chances.

Oldham striker Chris Taylor did his best to create opportunities for his side with some theatrical moments around the edge of the box that the officials fell for. One such moment produced a freekick in a very dangerous position as Dale were making a change of golakeeper. Josh Lillis had picked up a hamstring injury and he was replaced by Matty Edwards, who is just back from injury. Edwards positioned his wall well and the resulting freekick crashed off the wall before Dawson fired the ball into touch.

Despite their dominance Rochdale couldn't managed a winner and Oldham will probably leave feeling they have a well earned point to take back to Boundary Park.