Chesterfield 2 - 2 Rochdale

Rochdale scored twice in stoppage time to earn a dramatic point at Chesterfield. Two goals down approaching the 90th minute, Chesterfield striker Marc Richards handled on the line with referee Andy D’Urso showing a straight red card. Ian Henderson made no mistake from 12 yards to half the deficit but more drama was to follow. A 93rd minute corner was swung in by Henderson with Peter Vincenti rising the highest to power the ball past Tommy Lee.

With the number of games in recent weeks and with an FA Cup fourth round tie ahead on Saturday, Dale boss Keith Hill made six changes to the side that beat Plymouth four days ago. Joe Rafferty, Gary Dicker, Matty Lund, Scott Hogan, Joe Bunney and Graham Cummins were all given starts.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with home striker Ollie Banks glancing a header just wide whilst at the other end Cummins powerful header was pushed away by Lee.

Hill was handed a real blow on 15 minutes when Olly Lancashire limped out with what appeared to be a hamstring injury and is likely to miss Saturday’s FA Cup game; Rhys Bennett came on in his place.

Dale continued to create the best chances but Lee was again on hand to deny Henderson’s angled free-kick.

Chesterfield took the lead with five minutes left of the half when Matt Done sliding challenge ricocheted through to Roberts who made no mistake from inside the area.

Hill’s response was to replace Graham Cummins with Peter Vincenti at the start of the second half with the Jerseyman almost having an immediate impact. Jack O’Connell’s diagonal pass found Vincenti who used his height to cushion a header forwards to Henderson. Henderson took the ball on his chest before unleashing a volley just over the bar.

With Dale pushing for a leveller, it allowed space in behind with Chesterfield doubling their lead with 20 minutes left. Ollie Banks’ shot came back off the post and after a huge mêlée Richards was hand to slide the ball home.

The game looked to have slipped away from Dale but with seconds of the 90 remaining, Dale were given a lifeline. Henderson’s freekick was not cleared by the home side with Richards handling a Jack O’Connell shot on the line. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and brandished the red card for Richards. Henderson rifled the ball into the top corner past Lee from 12 yards to give Dale hope.

With a man advantage, Dale piled on the pressure as the three minutes of added time was almost up. Joe Rafferty’s looping header forced a save from Lee but from the resultant corner, Vincenti stole half a yard on the keeper to smash a header into the net.

It was a point gained but against a team that are expected to gain promotion, and under the circumstances, it certainly felt more like a win for Hill’s men.

With Sheffield Wednesday up next at Spotland in the FA Cup, Dale will certainly be heading into that game full of confidence.

Attendance: 5,078 (352 from Rochdale)

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, Lancashire (c) (Bennett 15), O’Connell, Done, Bunney, Dicker, Lund (Donnelly 72), Hogan, Henderson, Cummins (Vincenti 46)
Subs: (not used) Thomson, Allen, Rose, Eastham

Chesterfield: Lee, Talbot (Hird 46), Cooper, Evatt (c) (Darikwa 67) Smith, Ryan, Banks (Gnanduillet 77), Roberts, O’Shea, Richards, Morsy
Subs: (not used) Dunbavin, Humphreys, Gardner, Doyle

Referee: Mr A D’Urso
Assistant Referees: Mr K Evans & Mr J Wilson
Fourth Official: Mr S Meredith