Kerr's ball to N'Guessan saw the Frenchman try and cross the ball into the box, being intercepted along the way. LJL blasted over from outside of the box before Ciaran Toner fouled the Imps' skipper. Sam Russell produced a good save to tip Frecklington's goalbound free kick around the post before it went out for a goalkick.

The first questionable moment of the referee's capabilities came when a Rochdale player tried to keep the ball in play, hitting the ball against his own face along the way, only for the referee to give Dale a throw in when they were clearly the last ones to touch the ball. N'Guessan wasted an opportunity after Stanton fouled Patulea.

Almost inevitably, after rarely stepping foot into City's half, Rochdale took the lead. After the ball bobbled in the air following a Dale break, Adam Rundle unleashed a brilliant volley that dipped in under the crossbar to Rochdale a stunning opener, much against the run of play. The goal brought a round of applause from the City faithful who clearly appreciated he technique involved.

Lee Thorpe's "goal" though was met with more jeers than applause. Thorpe was City's top scorer for five seasons running but has had considerably less luck since. He entered the book for kicking the ball into the net long after play has stopped for a foul on Danny Hone. LJL joined him a minute later due to a challenge on Thorpe.

Neither side could manager another decent effort before the first half drew to a close.

City were the first to attack again when they won a corner within the first minutes of the second half, a poor delivery was punched out by Russell though before Patulea's effort was blocked by Kennedy. Peter Jackson was spoken to by the referee after again giving a throw in to Rochdale, that despite it clearly coming off a Rochdale man last. City then had a shout for a penalty when Danny Hone was brought down in the box, but the referee waved play on the Jackson was banished to the stands for protesting again.

Rochdale fans weren't exactly keen on the referee either, becoming outraged throughout the game for tackles where City players didn't win the ball. Buckley became injured for the visitors and took several minutes get back to his feet, but he was replaced by Le Fondre, not before City had made some rare unforced substitutions, Gall and Oakes replaced Clarke and the lacklusture John-Lewis.

Patulea just missed an Oakes ball before Gary Jones blasted over for the visitors after a clever ball from Chris Dagnall. However, it wasn't long before City were deservedly level when Stefan Oakes marked his return by playing the ball over everyone and Danny Hone blasted home on the volley, scoring the second goal of his Football League career......the first also being against Rochdale.

Rochdale almost stole the points with seconds later, but Le Fondre shot straight at Burch and that was the final chance of the game.

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