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Rochdale 1 Macclesfield 1

Mike Whalley
22/ 9/2007

KEVIN McIntyre’s first-half penalty cancelled out Jimmy McNulty’s own goal as Dale and Macc shared the derby spoils at Spotland.

A full-blooded clash saw the Silkmen weather Dale’s whirlwind start to earn their fifth draw in seven League Two matches.

Glenn Murray had two great chances in the opening five minutes for Dale, but Macc keeper Tommy Lee deflected the first around the post, and centre-back Luke Dimech got back to clear his goalbound header off the line.

Dale’s early dominance was rewarded in the 16th minute, though, when McNulty turned Adam Rundle’s low cross into his own net after Chris Dagnall’s free kick had put the winger clear.

Macc were level within six minutes, when Guy Branston barged over Martin Gritton inside the penalty area, and McIntyre drove the spot-kick into the top corner.

Both sides might have been in front before the break, with Dale striker Murray’s header clawed out by Lee, and Gritton somehow rolled the ball wide from close range after Francis Green’s shot had been deflected into his path.

Rundle then somehow rolled wide substitute Adam Le Fondre’s cut back from 10 yards in the 63rd minute, but that was the clearest chance of a scrappy second half.

What is your verdict on the game? Have your say.