Macclesfield 0-1 Rochdale

The Silkmen again failed to win as Rochdale came to the Moss Rose and walked away with all three points.

But again the Silkmen could point to an element of misfortune about the game, and in particular the winning goal.

The first half saw the visitors having the better of the play but the score remained goal-less at half time.

Craig Lindfield had the best of the chances for the Silkmen, heading over and volleying over the bar either side of the Rochdale winner.

The winner, when it came, had the slice of bad luck that seems to have blighted the season at the Moss Rose. At least this time it wasn`t down to a piece of poor officiating or an injury.

Jon Brain had done well to dive at O`Grady`s feet and block his shot, only for the ball to bounce up and rebound off the covering defender, Nat Brown, who could do nothing but watch as the ball looped into the back of the net with half an hour to go.

The Silkmen improved after the goal and despite raining cross after cross into the Rochdale box, were unable to force a leveller. Dale could have doubled their lead late on when Dagnall missed an absolute sitter with only Brain to beat.