Bristol Rovers seemed intent on holding onto their third division status and they very nearly got three points to help them on their way.
However, although the Pirates had half a dozen chances in the second half to get their noses in front, their shooting was not up to their approach work.
And when they were on target young keeper Matthew Gilks was on top of his game as he made three or four saves to rescue Rochdale from defeat at the hands of a side they are used to beating.
Dale took the lead with their first attack of the game in the 21st minute when player/manager Paul Simpson threaded a pass through to Paul Connor.
It looked as if Connor had delayed his shot for too long but he slid the ball past keeper Scott Howie to give the hosts a lead they really did not deserve.
A minute before half time Dame Fortune paid back Rovers for some of the bad luck which she had dealt them earlier, when a long-range shot from Vitalijs Astafjevs bounced over the diving Gilks and went into the net.
Rovers went all out for a winner in the second half.
Andy Rammell hit the upright and twice Chris Llewellyn should have scored. Robert Quinn also put a good chance wide as did Giuliano Grazioli.
Rochdale also had their moments with substitute Patrick McCourt beating several defenders before curling his shot wide of the keeper but seeing it rebound back off the post.
Simpson had a good chance to make it a home win and save his job but he blasted the ball over the bar.
The other substitute, Clive Platt, should have scored a late winner for Dale but he put his effort over the bar while Simpson blasted another shot just wide.