In an incredible finish that saw 4 goals in the final minutes never say die Dale pulled off a fantastic and thoroughly deserved win. Having headed to
In an effort to frustrate Shrewsbury the Dale boss sent out a 4-5-1 formation with Glenn Murray ploughing a fairly lonely furrow on his own up front and though the first 45 minutes weren't exactly pretty and chances at either end were virtually non-existent the tactic almost worked to perfection. The only goal of a half that simply didn't portend what was to follow saw James Spencer parry a Stuart Drummond header and Dave Hibbert follow in from close range, this on 38 minutes.
Other than that talking points were few and far between altough Murray might have done better with a one on one against the onrushing Shrews keeper and referee Cook who was shocking throughout awarded the home side a free kick in the Dale area for a supposed back pass after Crooks had made a great tackle on Stuart Nicholson.
The second half dawned with Crooks injured, the diminutive Tom Kennedy slotting in at the back and livewire Adam Le Fondre joining
It might have been better just 5 minutes later when Le Fondre was clearly upended in the box but instead of the expected penalty referee Cook decided to yellow card the forward for simulation and Gary Jones for dissent at the decision.
On 62 minutes though the home side restored their lead as the Dale rearguard failed to clear their box and Stuart Drummond drilled in a left footed effort from 17 yards.
On 81 minutes more good build up play, again featuring Le Fondre released Rory Prendergast who whipped in a cross for Murray to plant in a downward header that this week wasn't to be denied him.
The travelling fans were sent in to rapture 3 minutes later when from a left wing cross the home defenceonly cleared as far as Gary Jones who controlled the ball some 25 yards before unleashing a rocket that with the help of a deflection gave Glynn Garner no chance.
Thats it you think a well deserved win but no Shrewsbury get a free kick 20 yards out. James Spencer saves well from David Hunt. Referee Cook fussily orders it to be retaken, takes the name of Kallum Higginbotham for encroachment and Hunt this time beats Spencer with a well struck hard low effort.
Ah well its still a good point but no whats this? Higginbotham in the next attack gets away on the left, pops the ball back onto his right foot and delivers the perfect cross for Le Fondre, fittingly, to joyously head home from 5 yards. Cue demented celebrations in the away end and in the Press box.
It has been some week, especially with the bad news about Chris Dagnall's injury and this is the perfect pick me up.
Onwards now and upwards.,
