Rochdale 0 - 0 York City

Rochdale 0 - 0 York City

Rochdale made it five clean sheets in a row after another 0-0 against York City and in doing so secured at least a play-off place. It's the third game in a row against York that has ended scoreless but the visitors had keeper Nick Pope to thank for keeping Dale out. The youngster, on loan from Charlton, pulled off a string of fine saves to deny Dale what would have been a deserved three points.

Keith Hill made two changes to his starting 11 with Peter Cavanagh back fit, Michael Rose had to make do with a place on the bench. Joe Bunney was preferred up front ahead of George Donnelly whilst there was the welcome return of Scott Hogan to the bench after injury meant the leading scorer missed the last six games.

York arrived at Spotland after a fine run of six clean sheets which has propelled Nigel Worthington’s men to within touching distance of the play-off places.

All the early running went Dale’s way with Hill’s men giving York a footballing lesson but couldn’t break through a stubborn defence.

Olly Lancashire will feel he should have done better when he met a Henderson free kick but the defender's header went over the bar.

Some of Dale’s build up play was wonderfully crafted but lacked the finishing touch.

Great interplay through midfield ended with Jamie Allen, who was this week named League Two player of the month for March, seeing his volley blocked.

York tried in vain to launch attacks but did have a penalty appeal turned down when Done challenged Coulson in the area, referee Wright signalling no penalty.

York’s young keeper had flapped at a couple of Dale crosses but had to be strong to beat away a Done free kick.

The second half went much the way of the first with Dale attacking.

Allen saw his snap shot pushed away by Pope whilst the stopper had to be quick to grab the ball after Lund’s shot bounced out of his grasp with substitute Hogan ready to pounce.

The return of Dale’s leading scorer, Hogan, lifted the crowd once again and the striker warmed the hands of Pope with a snap shot that was pushed away.

With the clock ticking down, York held firm to take a valuable point which se’s them climb into the play-off places.

Dale stay top of League Two, although Scunthorpe’s win at Torquay means its goals scored that keeps Hill's men ahead with five games left to play.

Although a play-off place was secured, it would be a massive disappointment now if Rochdale didn’t gain promotion to League One automatically.

Attendance: 3,830

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, Lancashire, Bennett, Cavanagh (c), Done, Henderson, Allen, Lund, Bunney (Hogan 63), Vincenti (Cummins 70)
Subs: (not used) Thomson, Eastham, Kennedy, Donnelly, Rose

York: Pope, Oyebanjo, Lowe, McCombe, Allan, Brobbel, Hayhurst (Andrew 69), Reed (Montrose 83), Penn (c), Bowman (Jarvis 83), Coulson
Subs: (not used) Ingham, McGurk, Platt, Puri

Referee: Mr K Wright
Assistant Referees: Mr A Backhouse & Mr G Liddle
Fourth Official: Mr D Bond