POINT FOR DONS COULD BE VITAL

IN the howling wind and driving rain, Wally Downes’ life in the AFC Wimbledon hotseat got off to a lukewarm start.

Although the point may well be treasured come the end of the season, it leaves them joint-bottom of the table and with a mountain to climb if they are to stay up.

It was, in truth, a poor first half from the Dons, who never got going and Rochdale duly dominated. But, in the second half, they came out with the bit between their teeth, and in the end earned a well-deserved point.

There were hints of a return to the ‘Crazy Gang’ philosophy, particularly in very poor conditions, but their lack of goals – they are the lowest goal scorers in the league – could prove their downfall.

For the Dale, it was a good point but after the way they dominated the first half they will be disappointed they didn’t get all three.