Walsall 0-0 Rochdale

Rochdale ended 2011 with well earned point away at Walsall in Caretaker manager Chris Beech's first game in charge. Harry Bunn struck the woodwork for Dale whilst at the other end substitute keeper Matt Edwards saved just moments after coming on for the injured Dave Lucas.

Beech made 2 changes in his first game as manager. Lucas returned as did Joe Thompson who made his first start since 4th October. Harry Bunn tested home keeper Walker with a run and drive which the Saddlers stopper blocked with his legs.

The home side edged the first half with Nichols & Paterson firing off target whilst a Walsall corner was headed against his own bar by Kennedy. Manny Smith met another Walsall corner but his looping header didn’t trouble Lucas.

Just before the half hour mark Dave Lucas had to go off when he complained of dizziness which was a result of the injury picked up at Sheffield United when he suffered concussion.

Moments after coming on, Edwards was called into action when he smothered a shot by Paterson.

David Ball had a chance to open the scoring but his glancing header was off target.

In the second half it was Rochdale who were much the better of the 2 sides. Adams fired wide when well placed whilst Bunn grazed the crossbar when set up by Widdowson.

Beech's side had all the impetus and went in search of a goal, David Ball had the ball in the back of Walsall's net but an assistants flag cut short the celebrations.

Nicky Adams' claims for a penalty were waived away by referee Madley after the winger was seemingly brought down inside the area.

Marcus Holness had to be replaced after suffering an ankle injury which gives the Dale manager
a lot to think about ahead of the game on Monday.

With the game petering out into a goal less draw, Walsall substitute Claude Gnakpa saw a free header go well over.

Chris Beech was fairly happy with a point in his first game in charge and spoke after the game.

He said: "That point gives us something to build on. The second half performance was stronger than the first, we got the lads in at half time and put our point across and they responded brilliantly. We looked like the team that was going to score in free play whilst Walsall looked dangerous at set plays. Harry Bunn hit the bar, Bally had a goal ruled out whilst Nicky (Adams) is adamant he should have had a penalty which wasn't given. The early change needed when Dave Lucas went off changed our plan for substitutes. Dave isn't good, the club doctor here as told him he cannot drive as he is a bit light headed and suffering dizzy spells. Matt came on and did really well. We have got a plan within a plan with regards the game on Monday, the lads will be in tomorrow and we will prepare them in the right way for Preston."

Rochdale: Lucas (Edwards 27), Holden, Holness (Tutte 77), Jordan,
Widdowson, Adams, Thompson, Jones (c), Kennedy, Bunn, Ball

Subs (not used): Barry-Murphy, Grimes

Walsall: Walker, Sadler, Butler (c), Smith, Chambers, Macken (Bowerman 64),
Beevers, Taundry (Gnakpa 75), Paterson (Halliday 82), Nicholls, Peterlin

Subs (not used): Jarvis, Grof   

Att:3907 (394 away)