BATTLING United twice came from behind against lowly Maine Road to snatch a point in this FNWTL Division clash.

Dale, who were forced to change a winning team with in-form Matt Knowles out through suspension joining midfield partner John Borland on the sideline, were deprived of their usual supply of inventiveness.

Chances fell to both attacks with ex-Dale keeper Darrel Sloane put under pressure at every opportunity by Jim McCluskie but seemingly receiving special protection from a ref who blew at any hint of physical contact.

The Maine Road defences were well marshalled and disrupted any resemblance of ordered Dale attacking play, collecting four bookings.

But some loose play by Dale led to the first goal when the visitors failed to clear the ball and it ran to the home number seven who volleyed home on 37 minutes. Three minutes later Dale drew level, Craig Sargeson broke down the left, fed Heys who flicked it into the box where Jason Heffenan fired home the loose ball after McCluskie challenged the keeper.

On the stroke of half time, poor defensive play again by Dale resulted in the home team regaining the lead with a lobbed goal inside the box which just evaded Ray Woods' head on the line.

Dale played the second half with a more positive approach led by Vinnie Pattison winning the ball and promoting the attack.

Good chances fell to Steve Cunningham and McCluskie before Sargeson converted a penalty to level after Pattison was fouled in the box.

Although McCluskie hit the bar from a tight angle and had a strong penalty claim turned down, the score remained the same.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.