ROCHDALE dropped two points and with it two places in the promotion race despite taking an early lead courtesy of teenager Patrick McCourt.

The home team seemed content to sit back on their lead and Oxford took full advantage enjoying virtually the whole of the possession and the only surprise was that it took them until the 84th minute to equalise through substitute Paul Moody.

'Work to do'

Manager John Hollins was happy with the start, but conceded: ''The truth is that we did not do ourselves justice. We want people off their seats and to entertain them but we didn't do that today.

"It was always an action packed game and full credit to Oxford who are a big strong side who kept coming at us.

"As today proved we still have a lot of work to do and one or two that I want to introduce. We want to be in the top 3 and that is still my intention.''

Watched by a bevy of Premier and first division scouts Rochdale's highly rated teenagers Kevin Townson and Patrick McCourt combined to give Dale an early lead. After good work by Clive Platt, Kevin Townson burst into the box and produced an inch perfect cross that McCourt headed home for his first goal in League football.

Banks called upon

But from there it was all Oxford and on 17 minutes Dale keeper Steve Banks produced a world class save to keep out a close range effort from Oxford captain Andy Crosby.

The home side survived the first half unscathed, but Oxford came out after the break with renewed purpose and Dale were forced onto the back foot immediately.

With Oxford pressing forward and Dale seemingly content to sit back on their slender advantage it was only a matter of time before the visitors equalised and that came on 84 minutes. A scuffed shot from Manny Omoyinmi fell invitingly for leading scorer Paul Moody and he made no mistake from close range.

Having let Oxford back into the game Rochdale came to life in the closing minutes forcing five corners and making several half chances. Paul Connor shot across the face of goal and then turned brilliantly only to be denied by the legs of keeper Andy Woodman.

Michael Oliver blazed wide and Clive Platt also went close to scoring an undeserved winner.

Are Dale too defensive? Let us know your views.

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