Rochdale 2 - 2 Port Vale

Jason Kennedy stopped Port Vale’s promotion party with a last gasp equaliser after Vale’s Liam Chilvers scored what looked like an 89th minute winner, which would have sealed their rise to League One. Chilvers had earlier put through his own net after a long ball forward by Josh Lillis but the visitors hit back minutes later when Tom Pope netted his 33rd goal of the season.

With safety secured after the midweek win over Southend, Dale came into this game with nothing to play for, except to spoil Port Vale’s party. Port Vale would seal promotion with a win providing other results went their way too, so a sell out away support of 2900 descended on Spotland.

The early exchanges were scrappy with the visitors looking nervous.

Ashley Grimes had the only real chance in the opening 29 minutes but Neal saved his volley.

Lee Hughes perhaps should have opened the scoring just before the half hour mark when a mix up in the Dale defence allowed the striker in on goal but he lifted the ball over Lillis and thankfully over the crossbar.

That defensive mix up from Hill’s side was nothing in comparison to the one seconds later at the other end. Lillis' long punt upfield was headed back to Neal by Chilvers but the keeper had come out to gather the ball with the defender knocking the ball into the unguarded net.

With the visiting masses silenced, Dale should have capitalised but were soon pegged back. A cross from the right was perfect for Pope who headed home with ease.

The noise levels increased and soon Port Vale were looking dangerous.

Myrie-Williams thought he’d scored but for a wonderful diving save by Lillis to turn the ball around the post.

Knowing only a win would suffice, Vale tried to break the stubborn Dale defence.

Pot shots from distance were all the visitors could muster and none testing Lillis.

Jason Kennedy will feel he should have scored with eight minutes left but he fired high over from 12 yards.

The game really came to life at the very end when Chilvers made amends for his earlier howler as powered a header home inside the final minute. The visiting fans went wild whilst their bench erupted on to the pitch in celebration as they thought they had got the winner - until Jason Kennedy stepped in.

Michael Rose’s left wing cross was headed beyond the despairing dive of Neal to silence the celebrations in the Wilbutts Lane stand.

Dale deserved their leveler and possibly deserved more but it’s a point that stretches their unbeaten run to six matches as they start planning for next season.

Att: 5042

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, Edwards, Cansdell-Sherriff, Rose, Cavanaugh, Kennedy, Grant, Donnelly (Gornell 69), Henderson (Logan 90), Grimes (Camps 69)
Subs: (not used) Collis, McIntyre, Barry-Murphy, Thomas

Port Vale: Neal, Yates, Griffith, Purse, Loft, Dodds (Shuker 82), Myrie-Williams (Birchall 88), Pope, Chilvers, Hughes (Williamson 77), Jones
Subs: (not used)Johnson, McCombe, Morsy, Duffy

Referee: Mr R Clark
Assistant Referees: Mr G Liddle & Mr P Wright
Fourth Official: Mr K Haydock