PETER Bore and Justin Whittle came in for the injured Peter Beagrie and Martin McIntosh.

The home side put Town under some early pressure but it was the Mariners who had the first shot, with Ravenhill seeing his effort saved from 25 yards.

Dale hit back and good move ended with the huge figure of Sako shooting just wide.

And Barker saw his effort tipped onto the crossbar by Phil Barnes.

On 21 minutes the dangerous Rankin ran on after a mistake by Goodall but his fierce shot was tipped over by Gilks.

Peter Bore a good chance but his shot was wide of Gilks' left post.

And Barker shot just over after a pass from Stanton.

Jones and Dagnall were linking well and Dagnall's dangerous ball flashed across the Town box, with nobody able to get a touch.

Graham Rodger and Rochdale boss Steve Parkin exchanged words after Tom Newey went down injured and the Dale players refused to put the ball out.

Half-Time: Rochdale 0 Town 0

Peter Bore also took a knock in the first half was replaced by Andy Taylor in the second period.

Barker twisted and turned and looked to get into the Town box but Whittle did well do dispossess him.

On 49 mins, Croft's good cross was met by an unmarked Whittle but he headed wide.

Town's passing was letting them down and Rochdale were putting Town under some intense pressure.

GOAL! And on 56 minutes, the goal came. Rochdale's Gary Jones got to the line and hit over a good cross which was met by Sako to fire left footed past Barnes.

Town players were slow to react after a good run and cross by Andy Taylor and his cross was cleared. Seconds later Jones found Taylor but his shot was just wide.

Rankin was given space in the box but unfortunately his effort crashed against the Dale crossbar. Rankin was through on goal seconds later but the former Brentford striker's first touch let him down and a good chance was lost.

The overlapping Goodall almost sealed it on 77 minutes but his effort was just wide.

Danny Boshell replaced a limping Ciaran Toner on 82 minutes.

On 88 minutes Newey's corner caused some confusion in the box but the referee blew up for a free kick to Rochdale.

4 minutes overtime was signalled by the fourth official.

It was a better away performance by the Mariners, but they failed to take their chances on the night.

Picture: Andy Taylor - shining light for Town.