Rochdale 1 Mansfield Town 1

Last updated : 15 January 2005 By Footymad Previewer
Rochdale started off like a house on fire taking an early lead and generally battering their opponents but went off the boil in the second half and had to settle for a share of the points.

Paul Tait gave the home side the lead with a flying finish to a Leo Bertos cross after four minutes but went on to waste several chances including a Greg Heald shot which hit the upright.

Mansfield levelled against the run of play on 38 minutes courtesy of a spectacular Richie Barker overhead kick.

Though Rochdale enjoyed the bulk of the second-half possession, they lacked their early killer instinct and rarely troubled a stubborn Mansfield rearguard that was superbly marshalled by Luke Dimech.