Rochdale 2 - 3 Exeter City

It was a case of deja vu for Dale fans as, for the second weekend in a row, their team were 3-0 down at half time, and forced dramatic finale’s as the games end 3-2.

Defensive errors and mistakes by the officials again cost Dale dear as they find the mountain of a three goal deficit too much to climb. 

Bobby Grant and Andrew Tutte warmed the hands of visiting stopper Krysiak after well worked corner routines whilst at the other end, Jamie Cureton was wasteful with a good chance.

Grant was again denied by Krysiak with a low save with the striker then turning provider for striker Partner George Donnelly. An inviting cross was met by Donnelly but his free header from six yards went wide.

That miss was to prove crucial as Exeter took the lead. A rash challenge by the recalled Joe Rafferty led to a dangerous free-kick out on the left flank which led to the opening goal. A flick on outside the area caused the home defence to panic leaving Pat Baldwin the easy task of stabbing home from six yards.

Soon afterwards Exeter doubled their advantage with a goal that had more than a hint of offside in the build up. Jamie Cureton looked well offside as he was played in down the right but, with the flag staying down, the veteran raced away before picking out strike partner O’Flynn in the middle who tucked the ball away.

The scoreline certainly flattered Exeter but before the break it was 3-0, and again questions were asked of the officials. Phil Edwards appeared to get caught by a flailing elbow but Mr Simpson waived play on allowing Exeter a breakaway goal. A deep ball from the left should have been an easy catch for Lillis but the keeper slipped allowing O’Flynn the easiest of goals with an open net in front of him. Phil Edwards then was able to receive treatment as he had blood pouring from his face after the ‘challenge’.

The rumbles of discontent rang around Spotland during half time, although talk of last weekend’s second half fight back gave some optimism and it duly came.

Gornell was a real livewire throughout and caused the Exeter back line a number of problems with Krysiak having to be alert soon after the restart to keep him at bay. The Polish keeper first fumbled Grant's shot and superbly blocked Gornell’s follow up to keep his side’s three goal advantage.

The on loan striker finally got the better of Krysiak on 66 minutes when he calmly slotted home after patient build up in and around the penalty area.

Donnelly provided a dangerous cross for Grant but as with the chance in the first half which Donnelly missed; Grant glanced wide from inside the area.

Defender Ryan Edwards forced Krysiak into a smart save when his volley looked destined for the back of the net.

With the clock ticking down, Gornell got his and Dale’s second to set up a tense finale. Tutte’s cross was perfect for Gornell who headed in at the near post.

After almost single handedly getting Coleman’s men back on terms, Gornell then turned into the villain when he was shown a straight red card for kicking out at former Dale man Kevin Amankwaah. There could be no complaints and the Rochdale manager will have told the striker his thoughts as he now misses three games in the busiest part of the season.

Coleman spoke afterwards: “I can’t really comment on the officials as I get myself into trouble. They are human and they have the most difficult job in football so I’m not going to speak about them.

"As much as there are Rochdale fans who don’t like me at the moment; a) because I’m a Scouser or b) I’m not Keith Hill or c) we got relegated last season, even the most biased fan who doesn’t like me must admit we were the better side today and if they don’t then they are kidding themselves.

"I’m as bitterly disappointed about today as much as any supporter.

"We missed the best two moments of the game with Grant and Donnelly but you can’t concede three goals at home and expect to win.

"Terry Gornell was the man of the match for me, he feels he was caught with an elbow and he has flicked out. It’s a massive blow.”

Attendance: 1796

Rochdale: Lillis, P Edwards, Bennett, R Edwards, Rafferty (Putterill 63), Cavanaugh ©, Tutte, Kennedy, Grant, Gornell, Donnelly
Subs: (not used) Adebola, Barry-Murphy, Pearson, Craney, Grimes, Smith

Exeter City: Krysiak, Tully, Woodman, Baldwin Coles ©, Sercombe, Oakley, Gow (Dawson 82), Cureton, O’Flynn (Amankwaah 82), Keohane (Davies 68)
Subs: (not used) Evans, Chamberlain, Reid, Moore-Taylor

Referee: J Simpson
Assistant Referees: W Broadbent and D Storrie
Fourth Official: L Metcalfe