Dale gained a hard earned point at already promoted Hartlepool, in an end to end game which could have swung either way, with Dale missing a host of late chances.

Hard to know how to feel at the moment after this game. Dale were ran ragged at times, but you always felt that we could grab a goal, and given that Hartlepool played some good football at times, a draw should feel like an excellent result in the current circumstances, but its hard to not feel a little disappointed that we didn't take all three.

It was still far from a vintage Dale performance, but it was a very hard working one, where we battled throughout. Our passing, when we actual stopped hoofing it was very good, and Chris Beech was spraying the ball everywhere. However Hartlepool were always a threat, and had tons of chances in the game, just like Dale had.

Dale announced changes to the team, with Simpson and Paddy both out with injuries. Connor was mysteriously on the bench, whether he was injured or not I don't know. Hockenhull was nowhere to be seen and Rory Patterson started on the right hand side of midfield, with Doughty on the left. Hill coming in at left back. Evil and Platt were up front.

Dale started lively and the passing was very good, and we looked a threat going forward, however so did the home side. An excellent move by them saw an effort just go wide.

Dale got on the scoresheet first though. A near post cross from Flitcroft was glanced in the net by Rio Ferdi - Grand! This gave Hartlepool the kick start they needed, and the began to pose more of a threat in front of goal, and you could sense an equaliser coming.

It came when a low curling shot was well saved by Matt Gilks, but he could only parry it and Widdrington sneaked in with an open net and blasted the ball in.

Dale were very much on the backfoot as Hartlepool searched for a goal, but somewhat against the run of play Dale got back into the lead. Lee McEvilly unleashed a stunning right foot volley into the top corner from the angle of the 18 yard box. World class finish from our young international to send Dale in at half time in the lead.

The second half saw Hartlepool really pushing for an equaliser and they didn't have to wait long for one. A neat move saw the ball cut back to Widdrington who fired in his second of the game from the edge of the box.

Gilks then had to be in fine form to make a great save down low to his right, as Hartlepool searched for a winning goal. However as time went on their challenge seemingly fizzled out and if anyone was to get a winner it looked like it would be the visitors.

Matt Doughty went on a mad sprint forward before curling an effort just wide of the upright. Kev Townson came on for Matt Doughty, as we went all out, with four strikers on the pitch.

Chris Beech went close with two volleys, and Clive Platt managed to send a shot sailing over the bar when he really should have scored. Dale really did have the chances at the end, and for the second away game running they may feel that they should have taken all three points.

Wasn't the greatest of performances, but against a good side, though not as good as their position suggests, it was definitely an improvement. Nice to see some fight at times from the players, namely Dave Flitcroft, who was a star again today.

Photo: Action Images

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