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Agony for Simpson

Mike Floyd
27/12/2002

ROCHDALE fans experienced the highs and lows of football at an entertaining and exciting match against Wrexham at Spotland on Boxing Day.

The home side took the lead after just 39 seconds as Paul Connor fired home after Wrexham keeper Kristian Rogers could only parry Clive Platt's fierce drive.

Connor doubled his tally on 17 minutes after visiting centreback Brian Carey and keeper Rogers had a break down in communication. The Rochdale striker intervened to calmly sidefoot the ball into an empty net.

Wrexham always looked dangerous going forward, and when Lee Trundle rolled the ball into the path of Andy Morrell, his left foot shot evaded the despairing dive of Neil Edwards.

The second half saw the visitors dominate possession and home keeper Edwards had to be at his best to keep out the Welsh outfit. Rochdale's best efforts came from player/ manager Paul Simpson who tested Rogers from long range.

Wrexham drew level as Morrell took advantage of a dreadful error by the Rochdale defence to grab his second.

Rochdale looked to have won a reprieve as Steve Roberts pushed substitute Patrick McCourt over in the box.

As McCourt was stretchered off the field with a dislocated shoulder Simpson, to everyone's surprise, smashed his spot kick against the post.

Wrexham breathed a sigh of relief and left Spotland with a well-deserved point.