A sunny day out at the Keepmoat heralded frustration for both Rovers and Rochdale as neither team lived up to their promise.
On a slippery surface Rochdale started the brightest of the two, exposing Rovers’ defensive frailties on both flanks but unable to capitalise due to the ever-reliable Andy Butler and much-improved Jamie McCombe.
However, Rovers took the lead on 16 minutes. Reece Wabara, shortly after being booked for a laughable dive, crossed from the byline for Kyle Bennett to notch his third goal in a week. Bizarrely, the linesman flagged for offside, but thankfully the referee had enough common sense to allow it.
Ironically, on 23 minutes Rochdale netted only to have it disallowed for offside. Rovers created a number of chances; McCombe even going close with an overhead kick from a corner.
Doncaster’s pressure continued into the second half as they pushed for another goal, only to see their efforts negated by a Rochdale equaliser. The impressive Joel Logan again caused problems on the left, Rovers leaving acres of space for Ian Henderson to convert the cross.
From then on Rochdale had the momentum, with numerous good saves from Stephen Bywater, and the defending of McCombe and Butler, keeping Rovers in it. Even Bennett faded as the game went on, fizzling out completely towards the end as both teams seemed to settle for the draw.
Probably a fair outcome; one that ensures both teams continue slouching towards the mid-table obscurity they’re doubtless destined to end the season with.
by Lazarus
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