Rochdale boss Keith Hill felt his in-form side were unlucky not to win against promotion-chasing Port Vale at Spotland.
Jason Kennedy fired a stoppage time equaliser for the home-side after Vale defender Liam Chilvers scored at both ends and Tom Pope netted in the first-half.
With automatic promotion at stake for second-placed Port Vale, Hill was impressed with the travelling support and felt the atmosphere inspired both sets of players.
“They’re a good side, with very good players, but I’m pleased we didn’t lose that game as I felt we didn’t deserve to lose it against an excellent side,” he said.
“It was toe-to-toe for the first 30 minutes and it didn’t really open up until the second half and if I’m honest, we looked more favourable to win the game.
“It’s a shame that we used to enjoy games of a 5,000 crowd.
“We used to be used to atmospheres like that and games that had something riding on them, well it did for the opposition, and it did for our boys as they wanted to show our credentials.”
Rochdale opened the scoring on 31 minutes when Chilvers headed a long clearance beyond Vale goalkeeper Chris Neal into his own net.
The visitors equalised just three minutes later when Pope headed Adam Yates’ cross home for his 33rd goal of the season.
The game seemed destined for a draw until Chilvers atoned for his earlier error by heading Port Vale in front four minutes from time.
The home side had the last however when Kennedy popped up deep into stoppage time to grab a point for Hill’s men with a well-placed header.
The result means Vale’s promotion party is on-hold for another week while Rochdale – unbeaten in six games – will look to continue their good form when they visit Oxford United on Saturday.
Image courtesy fo football4football, via YouTube, with thanks
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