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Rochdale hit back to deny Exeter

30/10/2002

ROCHDALE twice came back from a goal behind to halt their losing streak in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Exeter last night (Tuesday).

The Grecians took the lead with just 50 seconds on the clock. Dale failed to deal with a long ball which fell to Steve Flack, who stabbed the the ball past goalkeeper Neil Edwards.

Dale had plenty of chances to equalise, the best when Paul Simpson's rasping drive rattled the crossbar, but they found goalkeeper Kevin Miller equal to the task.

However, just before the break, Simpson's pinpoint delivery found Chris Beech at the far post and he headed home his first goal for the club. It was to be Beech's last contribution to the game as he received a blow to his head on the way to scoring and had to be substituted.

Rochdale started the second half with purpose and went in front after 59 minutes with a superb long-range free-kick from the trusty boot of Simpson, who angled his effort into the top corner of the net.

But Dale fans' joy was short-lived as Reiner Moor's left-foot volley levelled the contest after 75 minutes.

However, the visitors regained the lead when Martin Thomas broke through a static defence and tucked the ball past Edwards four minutes later.

With the game heading for an Exeter win, Rochdale captain Gareth Griffiths' fine header secured a point for the home side with just five minutes remaining.