Dale threw away a two goal lead as Lincoln fought back to earn a 2-2 draw at Spotland. Richard Jobson and Keiron Durkan scoring the Dale goals.
Quite how we managed to throw away the lead with just a couple of minutes had us all bemused today. Whether it was lack of concentration or something else, it just isn't acceptable. The points were seemingly in the bag but we allowed our visitors a share of the spoils.
The Dale line-up welcomed back long term injuries Paul Connor and Neil Edwards. Gareth Griffiths also went back into the team. Matt Doughty started the match meaning Flitcroft had to be content with a place on the bench.
Lincoln certainly started the brighter of the two sides and may of felt themselves unlucky to not of taken the lead. On a couple of occasions our returning Taffy in net (who was strangely wearing John Baker's shirt) had to pull off some good saves, one especially stood out from a header.
As the half wore on though Dale began to get into things. Paul Connor had a mazy run from the left before unleashing a curling shot from the edge of the box which was well dealt with by Marriott in the Imps net. Michael Oliver had a glorious chance to score also. Platt did well down the wing before cutting the ball back to Oliver who had the full goal to aim at from 8 yards, but he hit it wide.
A goal wasn't far away though for Dale. Keiron Durkan clipped a cross to the near post. Platt flicked it on and Jobson headed into the net with the keeper stranded. Perhaps it was a little undeserved as Lincoln had played well, but Dale had looked more dangerous and we will take all the goals we can.
Dale started the second half much better and deservedly extended their lead on 70 minutes. Keiron Durkan hit a low free-kick goal-wards, whether it got a deflection or not I couldn't tell but it completely fooled the keeper before ending up in the back of the net. So that was it, Dale were to hold on for the win.
Not a chance! Lincoln fought their way back into the match and grabbed what everyone thought was just to be a consolation goal. A lovely cross from the right was met by the head of Battersby who gave Edwards little chance of saving it. But a minute later and into injury time Lincoln grabbed an equaliser.
Battersby was once again at the heart of things. He hit a shot which Edwards managed to parry out, unfortunately it fell to Holmes who volleyed into the open net with the Dale defence seemingly stranded. The home side were shocked and with the two minutes or so remaining they couldn't grab a winner.
The points should of been safe, and Dale only have themselves to blame for not securing the three points today (it wasn't the ref's fault surprisingly!) It definitely seems like two points dropped despite Lincoln having a number of good chances to score. Is the bubble beginning to burst?