Dale frustrate Bulls

Plenty of enthusiasm, effort and endeavour but in the end both sides were frustrated by a combination of poor finishing and resolute defending.

Hereford missed a succession of chances - agonisingly shooting and heading straight at the Rochdale 'keeper Matthew Gilks on far too many occasions.

Bulls' boss Graham Turner kept faith with the same side as the one which thrashed Lincoln City at Sincil Bank on Tuesday. However, Tamika Mkandawire, Simon Travis and Glyn Thompson all returned to the substitutes bench after injury.

Rochdale opened brightly forcing consecutive corners, and this proved to be a feature of the match with Dale eventually notching up 18 flag kicks during the match.

Hereford eventually found their passing game and had two claims for penalties waved aside in the first period.

However, it was Dale who went closest to scoring in the 23rd minute when Dean Beckwith allowed the ball to bounce over his shoulder enabling Adam Le Fondre a clear run on goal. Thankfully for the Bulls Wayne Brown came to the rescue with a save, but in truth the Dale striker made it easy for 'Superman' by shooting directly at the advancing goalkeeper.

At the other end Alan Connell went close for the Bulls when he rose to head a 27th minute Trent McClenahan cross goalwards, but his effort dipped too late and the ball flew over the crossbar.

During this period United's pivotal player again appeared to be Steve Guinan whose general linking and intelligent use of the ball caused Dale many problems.

Indeed, just after the half-hour mark Guinan should have put Hereford in front.

Connell pounced on a loose ball just outside the Rochdale penalty area before sweeping over a cross. Guinan hovered in just the right spot, but just couldn't get a foot to the ball and the chance went begging.

Right on the stroke of half-time Guinan was well positioned to connect with Andy Williams' hanging cross, but this time headed straight into the grateful arms of Gilks.

United stepped up a gear at the start of the second period with the impressive Danny Thomas showing plenty of character and determination down the left flank. From one of his crosses Connell could and should have put United ahead in the 51st minute. Thomas' flighted over an inch-perfect ball but somehow the Hereford striker headed straight at Gilks.

Dale then experienced their best period of the match and only a double block prevented Adam Rundle making what would have proved to be a decisive breakthrough. First Rundle was denied by a flying full length save from Brown, and McClenahan got his body in the way of the marksman's follow up attempt.

Both Guinan and Connell then got caught out by Dale's increasing use of an offside trap, whereas Glenn Murray assumed a greater role up front for the visitors. His sheer physique and powerful upper body strength appeared to be gaining an advantage over Richard Rose at the back for Hereford.

Dale almost capitalised in the 66th minute as Murray surged into the box, holding off Rose in his wake, before squaring for Le Fondre. Somehow though the Dale striker slipped over at the vital moment and Beckwith raced in to hack clear.

There was still plenty of time for either side to seize all three points but Guinan once more headed straight down the throat of Gilks when teed up by a Ben Smith cross in the 76th minute.

Rochdale substitute Lewis Dodds also squandered a good opportunity with only Brown to beat, but back came Hereford again as a long clearance from United's keeper bounced kindly for Guinan in stoppage time, however, for once the on-loan marksman couldn't find the back of the net as his firm low drive was palmed away for a corner by Gilks.

So all-in-all a fair result but Hereford will now need to gain positive results at both Chester and Hartlepool this week if the Bulls are to mount a play-off bid.

ROB PURDIE
Excellent interceptions at the back and some intuitive surging runs forward. Prepared to attack from the left-back position despite the shackles of a 4-4-2 formation.
7. Important saves ensured Hereford were never out of the match. Good fast use of the ball sprung numerous counter-attacks at pace. 7. A powerful display from the Australian who will now miss the match at Chester due to his call up to his national sides Olympic squad. 6. Forced to work tremendously hard by both Le Fondre and Murray. Couldn't quite repeat the dominant performance of Tuesday night at Lincoln. 6. Appeared to tire a little towards the end of the match. Hardly surprising as Dale's Murray was a powerful presence for the visitors all afternoon. 8. Has revelled in a left-back role. Question marks initially hung over his lack of physique as a defender but he's more than made up for that thanks to his intelligent reading of the game, coupled with good distribution. 6. Some exquisite touches and tricks to get past his markers on a number of occasions. However, needs to both seek and demand more possession - especially when playing wide right. 7. Very consistent. Unflustered, unhurried and quality when in possession. His intelligent penetrative running off-the-ball will eventually produce goals. 6. Closed down quickly by the Dale midfield. An excellent foil for Smith though, with Hereford fans hopeful he can be persuaded to sign permanently. 7. Impressive runs and crosses down the left flank. A useful acquisition providing an option the Bulls have missed wide left all season. 7. Showed some deft touches and first time flicks, and appears to be developing a good understanding with Guinan. 6. Didn't reach the giddy heights of Lincoln. Perhaps a harsh mark, but missed at least three gilt-edged chances to win the match. However, his all-round play remains a major positive. 6. Handed just 12 minutes to make an impact as a target man. GRAHAM TURNER
7. Kept faith with a winning line-up despite the calls for skipper Tamika Mkandawire to return. May need a different approach for the direct and physical style Chester will utilise at the Deva Stadium. KEITH HILL
7. Game plan to congest the midfield area worked for the most part. Corners forced but not capitalised upon. Has worked wonders since appointed in December - losing just two league matches in 12.

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