Rochdale's impressive away record continued as they came back from Macclesfield with a point meaning that we've only lost twice away in the entire year which isn't bad by my reckoning. Match report online now.
Rochdale managed to come from 2-0 down to grab a point at a soaken Moss Rose as Dale ended 2007 with a 2-2 draw away at Macclesfield, resulting in just 2 defeats away from home in the entire year! Unbeknown to anyone, Tom Kennedy was unavailable through illness and Marcus Holness replaced him at left back and Lee McEvilly replaced Adam Le Fondre up front. Sam Russell started in goal with a back four of Simon Ramsden, Marcus Holness, Nathan Stanton and Rory McArdle. In midfield was Kallum Higginbotham, Adam Rundle, Lee Crooks and Gary Jones with Lee McEvilly partnering Glenn Murray up front. On the bench were James Spencer, Nathan D'Laryea, John Doolan, Joe Thompson and Adam Le Fondre. Dale didn't play well in the first half but it was hardly surprising given the conditions. It was like The Day After Tomorrow before it all froze and given that Macclesfield are still one of the few remaining clubs without a roof on the away end, the travelling fans got absolutely pissed wet through so my hat goes off to everyone of us who endured it when, quite simply, we shouldn't have to! Lee McEvilly blasted a shot over the bar and Adam Rundle crossed just beyond everyone coming into the box but other than that, we struggled to created chances. From what I could see in the first half, it seemed apparent that the home side were looking to exploit our full backs and their two wingers did just that with Ramsden and Holness struggling to contain them. The first goal actually came from a cross from out wide from McIntyre which we couldn't deal with and Levi Reid was left with an easy finish leaving Russell with no chance. Just ten minutes later and it was 2-0. Goalkeeper Jonny Brain completely scuffed his goalkick which somehow managed to evade everyone and get through our midfield and defence and send Martin Gritton through on goal and he unselfishly squared it for Gareth Evans who was left with a simple finish. I was highly annoyed having spent a tenner to get in and get soaked to the bone while already ill to begin with but even at 2-0 we knew that a goal would have us right back in the game. The first half finished and Dale went in 2-0 down and needing to come out and perform a lot better than they did in the first half. With about five minutes of the half gone, Adam Le Fondre had to replace Lee McEvilly who limped off injured. Rory McArdle went ever so close for Dale as he headed a Kallum Higginbotham corner towards goal and it looked for all the world like it was sailing in but Adam Murray managed to clear it off the line. Adam Rundle got Dale back into the game at 2-1 with a shot from distance with the aid of a huge deflection but I'm sure he'll still be claiming his second goal of the season. At this point I knew we could get something out of the game. John Doolan replaced Lee Crooks in the centre of midfield to add a bit of creativity to the side and it worked right from the off as Dale began to boss the game. Kallum Higginbotham was forced off with an injured back and Joe Thompson replaced him. We should have won the game quite easily in the end and Adam Le Fondre will be wondering how the hell he didn't win the game for us. Glenn Murray did brilliantly down the left and crossed for Le Fondre to volley home but he scuffed his effort. Jonny Brian also pulled off a fantastic save to keep an effort of his out and then, Joe Thompson did brilliantly to set him up and he was left with a simple finish but he put it wide when it seemed easier to score! Thompson was playing really well and he had an effort blocked with Ramsden firing the rebound over the bar. Sam Russell had one save to make and he did it really well, low and at his near post but other than that, Macc never troubled us in the second half and with the game nearing the end, John Doolan smashed a freekick just over the bar. Just as I'd lost hope of getting an equaliser, Joe Thompson put across a brilliant corner which Glenn Murray headed home to make it 2-2 with his 8th goal of the season in the 93rd minute! We deserved more from the game but I was happy enough with a point and just wanted to get back to Rochdale for some dry clothes!! That ended what has been a fantastic calendar year for Dale if you ask me! Player Ratings: Sam Russell - 7 Simon Ramsden - 6 Marcus Holness - 7 Nathan Stanton - 7 Rory McArdle - 7 Kallum Higginbotham - 5 Adam Rundle - 7 Lee Crooks - 6 Gary Jones - 6 Lee McEvilly - 6 Glenn Murray - 7 Adam Le Fondre - 6 John Doolan - 7 (M.O.M) Joe Thompson - 7