Clarke levels as point puts Latics safe

EQUALISER . . . Athletic captain Peter Clarke

ATHLETIC 1, ROCHDALE 1

PETER Clarke headed in a second-half equaliser that rubber-stamped Athletic's presence in Sky Bet League One for another season.

The captain headed home from close range in the 67th minute, applying the crucial touch to an inviting free-kick swung in by Jamie Stott.

John Sheridan's side were second-best in the opening half and fell behind when Nathaniel Mendez-Laing turned past Stott and pulled back for Callum Camps to fire into the roof of goal after 13 minutes.

Ian Henderson chipped not far off target for the visitors after Ousmane Fane failed to pull the trigger when presented with a good chance just outside the area, with Dale goalkeeper Conrad Logan stranded off his line.

Fane headed wide when well-placed as Athletic upped the tempo after the interval.

At the other end, Mendez-Laing had two shots deflect off-target as Dale pushed to try to find a winner.

But the point, along with Port Vale's defeat at home to Bolton, ensures that Sheridan keeps Athletic in the division for a second season running.