Football: Rochdale 0 - 0 Oldham

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Rochdale v Oldham

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Rochdale had a first half penalty saved and a second half goal ruled out for a foul as they were held to a goalless draw by neighbours Oldham Athletic as the battle to stay in league one intensifies. Latics keeper Johny Placide saved Joe Rafferty’s spot kick after Joe Thompson was tripped inside the area whilst Calvin Andrew was adjudged to have fouled Placide as he headed past the stricken keeper. The point keeps Dale inside the bottom four; one point behind Oldham with four games left to play.

After receiving the news that Ian Henderson’s appeal against his red card at Peterborough on Saturday had been unsuccessful, Dale manager Keith Hill made two changes from the win at London Road. Bradden Inman, on loan from Peterborough, was ineligible at the weekend but returned tonight whilst Joe Thompson also got a start.

Oldham started the game seeing plenty of the ball but rarely tested Josh Lillis. In fact Richie Wellens side wouldn’t register a single shot on target all game.

Callum Camps’ saw a dipping volley drop onto the roof of the net whilst tremendous work from Done to keep the ball in play ahead of Anthony Gerrard almost brought about the opening goal; Joe Thompson’s shot lacking power as Placide beat it away.

Rochdale were given a glorious opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot after Thompson was tripped by Gerrard inside the box. Joe Rafferty stepped up to take the spot kick which was delayed after an Oldham fan ran onto the pitch to remonstrate with the official; Gerrard acting as bouncer to avoid the confrontation. After a delay, Rafferty saw his spot kick well saved by Placide to keep the game scoreless at the interval.

Eoin Doyle was having a quiet evening and when presented with a chance, Oldham’s leading scorer misfired placing his shot well over.

Dale did have the ball in the net with twenty minutes left to play although Mr Bankes ruled it out for a foul on the Oldham goalkeeper.

The remainder of the game was seen out without too much in the way of goalmouth action as both sides had to settle for a point.

Rochdale: Lillis, McGahey, McNulty, Delaney, Rafferty (Wiseman 87), Done, Camps ©, Rathbone, Inman, Andrew, Thompson (Humphrys 69)
Subs: (not used) Moore, Ntlhe, Adshead, Gillam, Kitching

Oldham: Placide, Hamer, Gerrard, Edmundson, Hunt, Byrne (Amadi-Holloway 66), Gardner, Fane, Pringle (McEleney 59), Doyle, Nazon (Obadeyi 78)
Subs: (not used) De La Paz, Nepomuceno, Benyu, Benteke

Referee: Mr P Bankes
Assistants: Mr P Hodskinson & Mr D Leach
Fourth Official: Mr J Simpson

Attendance: 6,261 (2,827 from Oldham)