Rochdale 0-0 Bristol Rovers: Dale hold Rovers despite stopper Magnus Norman's dismissal

Wednesday 3 October 2018 00:55, UK

Rochdale earned a share of the spoils in a goalless draw against Bristol Rovers despite playing out the second half with 10 men.

Dale had goalkeeper Magnus Norman dismissed on the stroke of half-time but his replacement, Josh Lillis, frustrated Rovers.

Rovers striker Stefan Payne had the best effort of the first half, smashing a 20-yard drive against the underside of Norman's crossbar.

Liam Sercombe teed-up a gilt-edged chance for Ollie Clarke when he skipped past Jim McNulty and allowed the ball to run to the Pirates' captain. Clarke had a clear view of goal but was denied by a fine save from Norman.

However, the goalkeeper, on-loan from Fulham, turned from hero to villain when he was dismissed in first-half stoppage-time after bringing down Payne as the striker bore down on goal.

After the break, substitute goalkeeper Lillis pulled off fine saves to twice deny Sercombe - one a point-blank effort from a tight angle, the other a rising 25-yard drive.