Rochdale 1 - 1 Bristol City

Rochdale had to settle for a share of the spoils after Bristol City keeper Frankie Fielding pulled off a wonder save deep into stoppage time to deny Rochdale maximum points. Former Dale stopper Fielding turned Ian Henderson’s close range header around the post when it seemed certain to nestle in the back of the net. Henderson had earlier levelled for Dale from a Matt Done cross after Luke Freeman had given City a first half lead.

The Dale boss opted for the same starting eleven from Tuesday night’s emphatic victory at Crewe, meaning no recognised striker named in the starting line-up. Instead, Ian Henderson and hat-trick hero Matty Done played up front.

Bristol City, relegated from the Championship last season, arrived at Spotland looking to continue their unbeaten start to life in League One, and with a forward line-up that could grace the Championship it’s no surprise they are the bookmakers favourites to make a swift return to English football’s second tier.

City took the lead on 16 minutes, Mark Little’s breakaway down the right saw him square the ball to Freeman who fired a low shot that completely wrong-footed Logan in the Dale goal.

Going a goal down to the much fancied City could have spelled disaster for Dale but they responded well.

Dale started the second half much the better of the two sides and drew level on 56 minutes, but could have scored 60 seconds earlier. Rafferty’s cross found Vincenti, Fielding punched his header but only to Henderson whose shot was blocked on the line.

Almost immediately after, Dale scored. Done’s low cross was perfect for Henderson who made no mistake from 4 yards out.

Dale continued to dominate proceedings, substitute Joe Bunney picked up a long ball and although he shaped to cross, he sent a powerful shot that Fielding had to tip over at his near post.

On loan keeper Logan had to be alert to deny Scott Wagstaff when he latched onto Wilbraham’s flick but the stopper blocked the shot.

With 10 minutes left of the 90, Henderson was denied twice in quick succession. Firstly, his shot was blocked superbly on the line by Flint with his follow up shot bravely blocked for a corner. Then deep into stoppage time, Henderson thought he had won it for Dale with a close range header but somehow Fielding managed to tip the ball around the post.

A point against Bristol City would have been taken pre-match but with the progression of the match, most with a Dale persuasion left disappointed not to have taken all three points.

Attendance: 3,115

Rochdale: C Logan, Rafferty, Eastham, Tanser, Kennedy, Bennett, Allen, Hery (Dawson 72), Vincenti (Bunney 62), Henderson (c), Done (Rose 90)
Subs: (not used) Diba, Donnelly, Andrew, Camps

Bristol City: Fielding, Little, Williams, Flint, Ayling, Cunningham, Smith, Elliot, Freeman (Wagstaff 58), Baldock (c), Wilbraham
Subs: (not used) El-Abd, Richards, Emmanuel-Thomas, Agard, Pack, Bryan

Referee: Mr M Haywood
Assistant Referee: Mr S Hudson & Mr S Oldham
Fourth Official: Mr M Edwards