Late Lines long-ranger enables Bristol Rovers to down Rochdale

Posted Wednesday, February 14, 2018 by PA

A spectacular 79th minute goal from Chris Lines gave Bristol Rovers a 3-2 Sky Bet League One victory over Rochdale at the Memorial Stadium.
The midfielder found the top corner of the net with a perfect right-footed drive from 25 yards after latching onto a pass from substitute Byron Moore.
The visitors took a 29th-minute lead when Rovers failed to clear a low corner box and Ian Henderson poked the ball in through a crowded six-yard box. An assistant was flagging but referee Chris Sarginson awarded the goal after consultation.
The hosts hit back four minutes after half-time, Tom Nichols heading Lee Brown’s left wing cross into the path of Liam Sercombe, who volleyed his 11th goal of the season.
The hosts then went in front in the 65th minute when Joe Partington headed home a Lines free-kick – but within seconds Henderson picked up a right wing cross in the centre of goal and fired in at the second attempt to equalise.
Rovers goalkeeper Adam Smith required lengthy treatment for a head injury in the opening minutes – but was able to complete the match.