Derby day in Lancashire, as Dale came from behind to earn a point at bury. A Lee McEvilly goal was enough to spare Dale's blushes against little bury.

Well we have been waiting for this game for a while, and it finally came today. The stands were full (well the away end was full with Dale fans anyway.) Did we out-sing bury? Well of course we bloody did! Don't we always?!

But as bury will tell you its what happens on the pitch that matters. They don't want anyone to know about all that administration lark after all, do they! To be honest bury bossed the game for long periods, and Dale survived on pure guts and determination at times.

Dale had to announce a change before the game. Top scorer, and on-form Paul Connor was not playing, due to flu, and was replaced up front by Kevin Townson. The rest of the team remained the same.

The first half was a drab affair. Dale struggled for most of it to get out of their own half. bury went close when Preece hit a shot at goal from the edge of the area, that Taffy saved well. Asides from that and a few crosses it was fairly even.

David Flitcroft managed to get himself booked for doing absolutely nothing, also. It looked like he had watched the ball out of play and then turned round to see a bury conman 'playing dead' on the floor. Not surprisingly the complete homer of a referee booked Flicker. Doughty soon joined him in the book, though that was a rash tackle.

The second half finally saw this local derby come into life. Dale were still on the back-foot for most parts of it, and it took a truly magnificent save from Division 3's best goalkeeper Neil Edwards, to finally wake Dale up.

bury had the better of the chances though. Twice Dale had to clear off their own line and bury managed to also hit the woodwork. At the other end Dale were creating very little, until the introduction of Paddy McCourt, who showed his potential once again with some mazy runs.

bury took the lead on 62 minutes, when highly rated (also a cheating moaner) John Newby side footed the ball past Neil Edwards from around 8 yards out. We almost heard some noise at Giggle Lane!

Dale were not to be outdone though and snatched their equaliser just 4 minutes later. Lee McEvilly chested down a ball over the top, and fired at goal. It seemed to take an age to go in, as it bobbled along the ground, hitting the inside of the post and finally settling in the back of the net! Delirium in the Dale end, a sea of bodies as the 2000 or so travelling fans went insane!

Could Dale muster a winner, well not really. The referee did his best to keep Dale out, giving a grand total of 2 free kicks to Dale all afternoon. A few goalmouth scrambles ensued though, and Dale simply couldn't force the ball over the line.

Well it was a draw, just like many had expected. Its now five unbeaten for Dale. Not the best of performances once again, but true guts got us back into the game, and we fought well to earn the point. Can you hear bury sing!? Didn't think so! Up The Dale!

Photo: Action Images

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