The BURKS

A late goal by Jon Howard denied play-off chasing Rochdale victory and gave Division Three leaders Chesterfield a 1-1 draw.

Howard struck from close range in the 89th minute when Rob Edwards set him up with a low cross from the right that finally opened up the Rochdale defence.

For much of a desperately poor game, Rochdale looked on course for all three points after record-signing Paul Connor had scored his first goal for the club in the final minute of the first half.

The £150,000 signing from Stoke punished a mistake by Ian Breckin and Rochdale defended well after the break to frustrate the home side.

But Howard's late goal set up a dramatic finale in which keeper Matt Gilkes saved from Marcus Ebdon and Lee Todd cleared an Edwards' header off the line.