Rochdale v Cardiff City, 02 September 2000

The Rochdale - Cardiff encounters have been historically close, and City had to settle for a fourth draw in a row as improving Rochdale claimed a point with their late equaliser. As Dale were without key forwards Tony Ellis and Graham Lancashire, the Third Division glamour team were hopeful of taking a three point haul back to South Wales. The plan was on course when the Bluebirds took an early lead. After Andy Legg's floated free kick was headed back across the area, right back Wayne Evans was unable to hold off the challenge of Paul Brayson for the ex-Reading striker to score in consecutive games. City hitman Kurt Nogan had a 'goal' chalked off because of an extremely marginal offside decision to extend the lead but it was another recent Reading man who netted the leveller ten minutes from time. City were further aggrieved with referee Dean when, from Dave Bayliss' high lob into the area, keeper Mark Walton fell under Clive Platt's challenge before Phil Hadland was on hand to net the loose ball.