Bolton Wanderers 1 - 0 Rochdale

Rochdale were cruelly denied a share of the spoils by late controversial goal in this East Lancashire derby. Mark Beevers’ effort was seemingly cleared off the line after a goalmouth scramble following a corner but assistant referee Mark Dwyer signalled the ball had crossed the line despite the Dale players remonstrations.

Earlier Bolton had two efforts cleared off the line whilst Ollie Rathbone fired narrowly wide and Ian Henderson brought about a fine save from Ben Alnwick.

The Dale manager, Keith Hill, made two changes to the side that drew at Fleetwood on Saturday. Calvin Andrew and Harrison McGahey started with Andy Cannon missing out and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing dropping to the bench.

The first half saw little goalmouth action as Dale looked to soak up the pressure from Bolton.

Twice just before half time Bolton got through but brave defending kept the score level. Gary Madine saw his looping header beat Ben Wilson; Joe Rafferty was on hand to hack the ball off the line. Moments later, Wilson saved from Madine with Liam Trotter’s follow up well blocked on the line by Mark Kitching.

Dale came out for the second half showing a little more attacking threat and went close through Rathbone. His turn on the edge of the area created space for a shot which flew just wide of the far post.

Ian Henderson thought he had broken the deadlock with a hook shot over his shoulder that Alnwick somehow managed to claw away for a corner.

The only goal came eight minutes from time. A Bolton corner was headed towards goal by David Wheater, Mark Beevers diverting the ball onto the crossbar. As the ball dropped, and despite Morais being nowhere near the six yard box, he was officially accredited with having forced the ball over the line.

The arguments from the Dale players raged on but the officials were adamant the goal was to stand.

It was certainly tough luck on Rochdale who will felt they did enough to earn a point but ultimately left with nothing.

Rochdale: Wilson, McGahaey, Keane, Canavan, Kitching, Rafferty (Mendez-Laing 85), Allen, Rathbone (Camps 85), Thompson (Vincenti 78), Henderson (c), Andrew.
Subs: (not used) Logan, McNulty, Noble-Lazarus, Redshaw.

Bolton: Alnwick, Morais, Osede, Wheater, Beevers, Taylor (Moxey 45), Spearing (c), Trotter (Thorpe 83), Vela, Madine, Le Fondre (Long 63).
Subs: (not used) Howard, Dervite, Soloman-Otabor, Wilkinson.

Referee: Mr C Kavanagh
Assistants: Mr P Hodskinson and Mr M Dwyer
Fourth Official: Ms Natalie Aspinall

Attendance: 13,313 (864 from Rochdale)