Rochdale 0 - 1 MK Dons

Keith Hill made four changes but Dale were beaten in the last minute

Rochdale were left devastated after a stoppage time winner gave the points to the MK Dons. Defender Scott Wootton got on the end of a left wing free-kick with virtually the last kick of the game to head his side to an undeserved three points.

Dale keeper Conrad Logan had earlier saved a Ben Reeves penalty after the substitute was tripped inside the area by Jim McNulty.

After defeat on Tuesday, Keith Hill made four changes to his starting line up with Conrad Logan starting his first game since returning to the club and Matt Lund starting his first game of the season after injury. Joe Thompson was given the nod, as was Joe Bunney.

The first half had few clear cut opportunities.

Nicky Maynard sent a weak header straight at Logan.

Lund’s freekick flashed well wide at the other end.

Ed Upson warmed the hands of Logan with a powerful set piece with Lund seeing his deflected shot well saved by Martin.

Dale started the second half strongly but just couldn’t breach the visitors defence.

Lund and McDermott forced Martin in action.

Calvin Andrew’s clever turn and shot fizzed just over the bar.

With 15 minutes left on the clock, MK Dons started to impose themselves on the game and came close to breaking the deadlock. Maynard’s quick run into the area to get on the end of a Williams cross brought about a fine save from Logan with Powell denied by some wonderful defending by McGahey with the follow up.

The visitors brought on pacey winger Ben Reeves and it was he who turned the game, firstly winning the penalty. The substitute nipped in ahead of McNulty with the full back clipping his ankles inside the area; referee Carl Boyeson having little option but to point to the spot. Reeves dusted himself down to take the spot kick only to be denied by Logan who saved well with his legs.

The game became really open in the last 10 minutes as both sides went for the win.

Ian Henderson was denied by a point blank save from Martin.

Debutant Steven Davies latched onto an Andrew cross but his touch took the ball just the wrong side of the post.

Logan made a wonderful double save to deny Powell and Tshimanga as the clock ticked towards the 90th minute but there was to be one last chance, which the visitors took.

Another soft looking free kick was awarded after a tackle by Cannon and when the ball was whipped into the area, Scott Wootton rose highest at the back post to squeeze the ball into the top corner to win it for MK Dons.

It was tough on Dale who certainly deserved something from the game, but a lack of concentration at the end cost them.

Rochdale: Logan, Cannon, McGahey, Canavan, McNulty, Allen, Henderson (c), Lund, Mendez-Laing (Davies 80), Bunney (Andrew 60), Thompson (McDermott 68)
Subs: (not used) Lillis, Tanser, Camps, Odelusi

MK Dons: Martin, Baldock, Walsh, Wootton, Lewington (c), Upson, Carruthers, Bowditch (Reeves 70), Williams, Powell, Maynard (Tshimanga 88)
Subs: (not used) Williams, Nicholls, Rasulo, Tilney, Thomas-Asante

Referee: Mr C Boyeson
Assistants: Mr B Gordon and Mr D Markham
Fourth Official: Mr D Richardson