A last minute winner from newly signed Gavin Melaugh gave Dale all three points in a tight game at home to Oxford. Despite taking the lead, Dale were pegged back, before Melaugh's header at the death.

It looked like a case of missed chances (especially in the first half) were going to cost Dale all three points at home to high-flying Oxford. A tale of two halves for Dale as they dominated the first but were over-run in the second, before a last gasp winner from Gavin Melaugh sealed all three points.

Dale went into the game without star player (am I really saying these words?!) David Flitcroft, who was suspended. A 4-4-2 formation was in effect as Dale tried to get their slim play-off hopes back on track.

Dale dominated in the first half, two towering Gareth Griffiths headers could have found the net, the first just missing the angle and the second clipping the top of the cross bar. Clive Platt when through on goal hesitated and his shot was parried by Woodman in the Oxford net. Paul Connor also clipped a close range shot over the bar.

With time running out in the first half, a goal of true quality broke the deadlock. Michael Oliver smashed a drive from 30 yards straight into the top corner giving the keeper no chance whatsoever.

The second half saw Dale being pinned back for most of it as Oxford tried to get back into the game. Neil Edwards was not really forced to make any saves, though Oxford had most of the ball.

A goal finally did come for the visitors, to say it was lucky is an understatement. Savage had the ball on the right wing, his cross somehow looped over Neil Edwards head and into the far corner of the net, a la David Seaman for England.

Paul Connor limped off injured soon later and was replaced by Evil. And not long after goalkeeper Neil Edwards was also in pain and had to be brought off and replaced by Matt Gilks. Simmo also took himself off and gave Lee Hodges a run out.

The game then suddenly changed. Every pass did not have to go to Simmo, players could pass to whoever, and Hodges was revelling in his role. However Dale were still on the back-foot and it seemed if anyone was to get a winner it would be Oxford.

Hodges had other plans though, his run down the right produced an absolutely stunning cross which Melaugh rose to meet and his headed loop over the keepers outstretched hand into the top corner of the net. brilliant cross, brilliant header.

There was still time for Oxford to get back into the game, and they forced Matt Gilks to produce a world class save to tip a header over his bar from barely two yards out.

A much needed win for Dale, where the performance mattered little and the result was all important. First half we did well and created chances, but second half we almost got punished for sitting back. Showed great spirit and bottle though to grab the last minute equaliser, to give us the win.

Photo: Action Images

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