‘It should have been a penalty - but that is not an excuse for not winning’: Darren Moore on Doncaster Rovers’ draw with Rochdale

Brad Halliday appeared to be dragged down as he ran into the box to meet a cross but referee Neil Hair waved away strong protests.

Rovers had the led the game after 46 seconds when Jon Taylor turned in Kieran Sadlier’s cross.

But Rochdale were stronger in possession throughout and grabbed a late equaliser through Oliver Rathbone.

Moore believed his side could have put the game to be before Rathbone’s leveller, and for that reason did not wish to be drawn too much on the penalty decision.

“I don’t want to cry over spilt milk in terms of waiting on a referee’s decision to win the game,” Moore said.

“I thought we had enough chances before that to win the game ourselves.

“It was a penalty but don’t want to be reliant on a referee’s decision to win the game.

“Everybody in the ground, we all felt it was a stonewall penalty because he’s pulled him back on a good run to meet the ball.

“But he’s not given it and whether you put it down to human error or mistake, it’s all part and parcel of the game.

“That was a bit frustrating towards the end because we know they concede a lot of goals late on because they’re tired when the game gets stretched.

“That was an opportunity to claim three points.”

Moore was disappointed that Rovers failed to make their fast start count against Dale, who soon dominated the ball in the middle of the park.

He said: "We shocked Rochdale early on with the goal but we didn't capitalise and take the game by the scruff of the neck.

"We'll look on it as two points dropped because we had enough chances to win the game, to get the second goal but we didn't do it - all for not getting the final touch on the ball.

"Rochdale had two shots on target and scored a goal out of it so we're disappointed."