John Still suggested to the local press before the game that he was looking to change the team's formation. He did just that as Jon Nurse was brought into the side and then saw his side earn a well deserved point against high flying Rochdale.

This point was perhaps all the more impressive as it was secured against a side that had won its last five matches, and was pushing hard for the third promotion spot.

The weather dominated the early stages as the game began in a hailstorm. The hail eventually gave way to heavy rain, which left some surface water on the pitch before the sun returned to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Stadium.

It was the Daggers who adapted to the difficult conditions the better as they put their visitors under pressure. Peter Gain had a couple of attempts on goal while Jon Nurse volleyed over the bar from close range.

However a moments hesitation at the heart of the Daggers back four allowed Rochdale to take a 28th minute lead. The home defence didn't deal with a long, high clearance and they allowed Kallum Higginbotham to pick up the loose ball. Higginbotham made them pay with a clinical finish, rifling the ball into the roof of the net.

The Daggers got just the response they were looking for as they were back on level terms within five minutes. A lot of the credit for the goal should go to Anwar Uddin. The skipper won the ball, powered through the midfield before releasing Ben Strevens with an intelligent pass. Strevens produced another very good finish as he shot beyond Tommy Lee and into the back of the net.

The home side could have even gone into the half time break ahead. Shane Huke hit a high ball into the Rochdale area with Lee completely missing his attempted punch. With the keeper grounded and a couple of defenders still to beat, Southam got his shot horribly wrong and screwed his effort well wide.

Rochdale came out for the second half a much improved side and the Daggers had to survive a few dangerous moments. Tony Roberts was called into action on several times and didn't disappoint. His first stop was a sharp save at his near post to deny Rene Howe.

Higginbotham wasted a chance to grab his second, when he blasted over the bar while Roberts twice had to make very good saves to deny substitute Chris Dagnall, who on both found himself with only the keeper to beat.

Dagenham's best chance of the second period came through Paul Benson. He did well to get to Strevens' cross however his flick flew the wrong side of the post. Both sides looked to grab a winner but in the end both had to settle with a point, with both managers agreeing that the score line was a fair reflection of the match.