Dale came from behind to win at home to Cambridge, with two goals in the dying minutes, as Dale moved up to second in the table after this amazing game at Spotland.

Dear god, this game had it all! What a comeback from Dale. It seemed for so long that we were going to get nothing out of the game, but two late goals earned Dale a spectacular win.

Hard to not feel sorry for Cambridge. They came to Spotland and unlike most teams didn't try and defend constantly, however in the end they paid for it. Add this to the fact that they played virtually the entire match with 10 men following the sending off of Andy Duncan for two bookings after only 14 minutes.

The Dale line-up saw a change, as Lee Duffy was on the bench, and Paddy McCourt started. Dale took the lead after just six minutes. A short corner to Paddy McCourt saw the young Irish man whip in a cross which was headed into the Cambridge net by their own defender Bridges.

Paul Connor then tried to get away from his marker, but he was tucked back constantly, though he did get away and hit a fierce shot against the post. Play was pulled back though and Duncan was given a yellow card for the foul.

Not soon later and Clive Platt tried the same thing, but was dragged back once again by Duncan, who was given another yellow and then a red, meaning an early bath.

The sending off seemed to spur Cambridge on and to be fair for the rest of the half they were the better team. Bridges regained some credit and struck in an equaliser following a fast paced Cambridge counter attack. They then smacked a long range effort against the bar. A header also produced another world class save from Taffy.

The visitors then took the lead. The Dale midfield and defence seemed to decide not to bother with tackling the Cambridge players and let them dance about with the ball on the edge of the area. Tudor eventually hitting in a low shot which bounced wickedly and under Edwards outstretched arm. Clive Platt almost put Dale ahead again, but somehow he managed to hit over with almost an open net.

The second half got worse before it got better. After just a few moments, a terrible back pass was cut out by a Cambridge striker whose low shot was saved by Edwards, however the ball got cut back across the box, and just as Cambridge were about to shoot, a Dale player fouled him and gave away a penalty. It was duly despatched by Paul Wanless, giving Cambridge a 3-1 lead.

Dale managed to pull a goal back with 10 minutes left. Paul Connor was upended on the edge of the box. Paul Simpson curled the free-kick into the top corner for his 7th goal of the season. Giving Dale a slight hope.

Dale then tried their best to get into the game. A Platt header went just wide. Jobson's header was cleared off the line, and numerous long range efforts were blocked. Platt and Connor went off and McEvilly and Townson came on to try and salvage something.

With time running out it was the Kev Townson who claimed the equaliser. His low shot into the bottom corner sending the Dale fans wild. And then 2 minute into injury time, Michael Oliver rose majestically to power home a header straight into the top corner, sending the whole ground into scenes of delirium! Absolutely awesome comeback.

Not the best of first half's tonight from Dale. Cambridge really caught us out on the counter attack and their pace caused us all sorts of problems. Can't help but feel sorry for them. All credit to Dale though for such a great comeback. It never really seemed at 3-1 down that we would get back into the game, but our fight-back was superb. It even had Dale fans singing in the streets on the way home! What a feeling! Up The Dale!

Photo: Action Images

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