Rochdale v Scunthorpe United, 26 August 2000

Having held First Division big spenders Blackburn Rovers in the midweek Worthington Cup tie at Spotland, Steve Parkin's Rochdale continued to improve to post their first win of the new term and smash Scunthorpe's 100% League record. Veteran marksman Tony Ellis was the first to strike as he guided a right foot shot past Tommy Evans for the 200th goal of his career. In a game that swung one way then another, Scunny drew level before the break when Steve Torpey excelled in supplying a fine cross that was converted by Gareth Sheldon. Shortly after the teams turned round, United scored a second for only the 5th time in 31 games. Michael Oliver was adjudged to have tripped Wayne Graves - Lee Hodges despatched the penalty to Neil Edwards' right. In all, Dale had 19 attempts on goal (compared to the visitors' 9) and they made it tell with a quick fire brace. Tony Ford played in Clive Platt, and the record signing showed good control before letting go a right foot cracker from the edge of the area. Rochdale clinched the points with Paul Ware's first goal for the club. The summer capture from Macclesfield headed home Lee Todd's first time right wing cross with virtually his first touch after coming off the bench.