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Rochdale draw at Gigg Lane

23/12/2002

BURY 1 ROCHDALE 1

ROCHDALE returned from Bury with a hard-earned league point after a keenly contested match at Gigg Lane.

Bury hadn't conceded a goal in over six hours of play, so when John Newby slotted home Terry Dunfield's mishit shot in the 61st minute, it looked like a miserable Christmas for the 1767 Rochdale fans who had made the short journey to the game.

But three minutes later as David Flitcroft launched a free kick into the Bury box, Lee Unsworth was rooted to the spot as his teammates moved out in a line. Lee McEvilly, who was probably surprised to find himself unmarked, chested the ball down and volleyed in via Glyn Garner's left hand and the post.

There was a hint of handball but none of the Bury players seemed to protest 1-1.

And in the closing stages of the game Rochdale might have pinched it as Patrick McCourt found himself on a one to one with Steve Redmond. He beat the centre back but an energetic Chris Billy sprinted back to get a foot in and clear.

However the result was a fair one, and while Bury probably had the better of the game overall, Rochdale deserved something for their fighting spirit and commitment.