CITY STOP THE ROT BUT SAM SAVES DALE LATE

PROUD boss Ross Jenkins hailed the character of his Oxford City troops as they battled for a point at Spotland.

Jenkins’ basement boys went behind to Kairo Mitchell’s 11th minute opener but turned the tables by the break with Harvey Greenslade and Josh Parker on target.

But the Hoops were denied a first win since January 27 when Sam Mather struck 13 minutes from time.

“It was a rugged performance,” Jenkins said. “Yes, it’s disappointing when you concede but I thought we were in decent control, played some really good stuff and the effort was absolutely brilliant.

“It’s really positive to see the players have listened and taken on instructions, they’ve come here with a good appetite and the energy and enthusiasm was definitely there.”

Dale, boosted by the positive news surrounding a proposed takeover, deservedly took the lead on 11 minutes when Mitchell brilliantly controlled a through ball from his own half to race through, fired before firing a low shot into the corner past keeper Tom Watson.

Gradually, though, Oxford got into the game after they were level on 27 minutes when Greenslade’s firm header from the right went across a crowded penalty area to beat keeper Tiernan Brooks.

Then, eight minutes later, the Hoops were in front when Harry Birtwhistle’s cross into the box was only partially cleared by Brooks and top scorer Parker was on hand to fire home.

A scrappy period either side of the break ensued but it the introduction of Dale subs Jimmy Keohane and Devante Rodney for the home side which gave the home side added verve.

And they got their reward on 77 minutes when some neat work from Cian Hayes laid the ball on for Mather to cooly slot the ball past Watson.

From then on it was all Rochdale and they might have won it late on when Rodney made a superb solo run through the middle but fired over with just the keeper.

Dale head coach Jim McNulty felt Oxford had been giftwrapped both their goals.

“A couple of moments there we weren’t doing what we should be doing,” McNulty said. “Those ones are really annoying because in a game where you go ahead and you are having chances they feel like gifts.

“We then had to battle but the one shining light is our competitiveness to not run away from that battle when it was looking tough. We do go away disappointed with today.

McNulty was buoyed by the potential takeover of the club but says he hopes the future can be ironed out sooner rather than later.

“I’m human so as much as I try to remain distant, I care about the players and no they are directly affected by what some of these outcome’s are going to be. I just want resolution,” he said.

STAR MAN: Cian Hayes (Rochdale) ATT: 2,329

ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★

REFEREE: Garreth Rhodes