A massive travelling Blue Army, officially given as 797, made the trip down to Spotland. Ian Stevens's hamstring injury put him out and Steve Halliday came into the starting line-up after scoring in the second half against Rushden as substitute. Rochdale got forward with a bit of menace early on, pressing Carlisle back but a through ball by Stu Green very nearly released Foran but the referee gave offside. Paul Connor and Clive Platt looked lively up front for the Dale. A pile of scouts were at the ground to watch Kevin Townson, Dale's England under-19 striker. They got an early chance to see him when Townson came on for Connor who was sadly stretchered off after 8 minutes following a strong challenge. Doughty made a great break for Rochdale but Keen came out well to save. Carlisle were under pressure as Platt combined with Townson on 17 minutes to set up a left footed chance that Keen again saved well. All of a sudden United broke up field after a strong Birch tackle and Foran and Halliday played a great one-two to put Halliday in and the recalled striker stroked home the opening goal. It was well against the run of play but a great move by the Cumbrians. Birch made a late challenge on Townson in the 29th minute and received a stern telling off. Paul Ware's free-kick went over the bar. Peter Murphy produced a great bit of skill three minutes from the break as he wriggled through the defence and tried a shot when he needed a bit more support. The half-time whistle signalled the end of a good half for the visitors, who had soaked up early pressure and gone in front and thereafter, looked the more composed side at times. Two minutes in Townson tried a curling left foot effort that Keen had to turn aside for a corner. On 54 minutes Townson was at it again with another curler that Keen once more pushed away for a corner kick. United launched an attack themselves and Birch unleashed a bullet that flew over the top. The game was hotting up and on 63 minutes the home side drew level in slightly controversial circumstances. A disputed corner was awarded by the referee. The kick came in, Keen felt he was impeded as Gareth Griffiths got up highest to head home. Whitehead failed to connect with a Murphy free kick after home keeper Steve Banks was booked for handling outside the box. Rochdale launched a series of attacks as Platt missed a good chance and McAuley drove over. Townson went down looking for a penalty. The pressure was well and truly back on. With 15 minutes remaining Foran was booked for a late challenge. A David Flitcroft cross was headed just wide of the far post by central defender Richard Jobson. Jonny Allan came on for Michael Jack. A Doughty cross in was met by sub McIlvenny and Keen made a superb close-range stop with a minute of normal time left. Roddy Collins raised his fists in the end in recognition of another good point earned. Al's verdict: Another fine result for the lads and this continues the trend of battling away displays with something to show for them. Rochdale were in form, at home and full of confidence. So were United who fought hard and deserved their reward. They didn't create too many chances but the goal was superbly taken and the defending was again assured. We needed a bit of luck here and there but Collins (and Courtenay) will be well pleased with the outcome. |
