Dale threw away three points at home to Wrexham. Despite leading 2-0 Dale could still only muster a draw, and then still miss a penalty in the last minute.

Well we didn't lose, is one way you can look at the result. But to be leading by two goals after barely twenty minutes, the game should have been over and the three points in the bag. Credit to Wrexham for their endeavour and they did deserve at least a point.

Paul Connor returned to the Dale line-up after suffering from flu, and his presence was welcomed. He grabbed Dale's first two goals and sent Dale towards what looked like three points.

His first came after only a couple of minutes. Clive Platt's low drive was parried by Rodgers in the Wrexham goal (where was Dibble!?) and the ball fell invitingly for Connor who smashed it home from the left hand side of the penalty box.

It was an end to end game, with both sides going close. Connor however made the difference yet again and extended Dale's lead. After a mistake by the Wrexham keeper (doesn't that sound familiar!) Connor somehow rolled the ball into an empty net from a very tight angle.

Wrexham stuck at their task though and somewhat fortunately got back into the game. A curling shot from Morrell saw Edwards make an uncharacteristic mistake and he ended up tipping the ball upwards and it landing in the net, as he fell backwards into the netting.

Wrexham then took control of the game, and a few moments later Taffy made up for the mistake, by superbly keeping a deflected shot out, low to his right hand side.

The second half saw Wrexham very much in control. Dale created very little, as usual. Connor had a few efforts, and seemed the only one likely to score. Paul Simpson brought himself on for Evil, who once again was disappointing. The Dale player-manager went close with a few long range efforts, but we were not ever really looking like scoring.

Wrexham were gifted an equaliser following another uncharacteristic mistake by Taffy, as he missed his kick at the back. Morrell sneaked in and slid the ball into an empty net. More chance came and went for the visitors but they couldn't get a winner.

Dale were forced to take Lee Duffy off after he suffered an injury. This saw the return of Griff at centre back, and Evans going to right wing back. Griff had an immediate impact almost giving a penalty away after just a few seconds of being on the pitch!

There was to be a penalty though, and it came in the final few minutes of the game. Paul Connor was replaced by Paddy McCourt, and with time running out the young Irish man went on a run in the box, he made an almighty dive to the floor, and for some reason the penalty was given! However Paddy did his shoulder in and Dale had to play the remaining moments with just ten men.

Paul Simpson stepped up to take his 3rd penalty against Wrexham this season. He hit it against the post and then put the rebound into the empty net. However with Dale fans celebrating the goal was disallowed, under the rule that you can't strike the ball twice from a penalty, without another player having touched the ball.

Well it was a disappointing day really. So much promise beckoned after 20 minutes or so, but it turned to frustration as Dale were then on the back-foot for most of the game after that. Should have won, could have lost. A draw we will have to take. Just means now we MUST win at Bournemouth AND Darlington, if we have any hopes of a play-off spot.

As for Wrexham today well, their defence was poor, besides the back four, and there was no one up front for them, besides the forwards. The rest of them just seemed to stay in the middle of the pitch! Football made easy ain't it! Even Hoyland might have a clue if it was that simple! Up The Dale!

Photo: Action Images

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