Rochdale 1 - 1 Burton Albion

Photo: Alpha Photography

Goalscorer, George Donnelly

6 More Image(s) In Gallery

George Donnelly came off the bench to earn Rochdale a point against fellow promotion hopefuls Burton Albion. Donnelly’s deflected shot should have been easy picking for Rob Lainton in the Burton goal but the keeper spilled the ball over the line. Burton had taken the lead 10 minutes before the interval when Zeli Ismail drilled home after Lillis had saved Ian Sharps' initial header.

In a scrappy first half, made worse by Burton’s spoiling tactics, Dale had the better of the chances but couldn’t breach a stubborn Burton defence.

Hogan’s pace had the beating of former Dale fullback Phil Edwards but he couldn’t beat Lainton who blocked at his near post.

The only goal of the half came on 34 minutes. A left wing corner was headed at goal by Sharps with Lillis beating away his effort only for Ismail to blast home the rebound.

Dale reacted well but again Lainton was on hand to this time deny Henderson, who perhaps should have done better with his free header after Michael Rose’ free kick.

Dale had to be patient as they tried to break down their opponents.

George Donnelly was introduced to add pace to the Rochdale attack and his presence caused Burton problems.

Eleven minutes after being introduced, Donnelly got the goal Dale's play deserved. His powerful volley deflected up off a defender and with the ball dropping towards keeper Lainton, many thought it was going to be catching practice. Instead, the keeper fumbled the ball over the line and the score was levelled.

Dale had the visitors on the ropes but couldn’t find a way through.

Hill threw Reece Gray into the mix as he went for a four man attack but still Burton stood strong.

Eastham saw a free header flash wide after a Henderson corner whilst Rose’s freekick was glanced towards goal by Hogan but Lainton tipped it over the bar.

Deep into stoppage time, Lillis had to be on his guard when Macdonald’s 40 yard free kick looked to be dropping under the crossbar but the Dale keeper tipped it over.

It will be looked at as a point gained against a side that Dale have never beaten in five league meetings but with a long trip to Devon to take on Exeter on Saturday, three points would have given a little more breathing space heading into the final run in.

Attendance: 2092

Rochdale: Lillis, Done, O’Connell (c), Eastham, Rafferty, Henderson, Vincenti (Gray 81), Lund, Kennedy (Donnelly 55), Rose, Hogan
Subs: (not used) Thomson, Cavanagh, Lancashire, Allen , Porter

Burton: Lainton, Edwards, Sharps, Cansdell-Sherriff, McCrory (Gray 56), Ismail (MacDonald 88), Weir, Palmer, Alexander (Kee 75), Bell (c), Phillips
Subs: (not used) Lyness, Knowles, Diamond, Holness

Referee: Mr S Duncan
Assistant Referees: Mr D Markham & Mr D Storrie
Fourth Official: Mr I Siddall