Matt Tootle's first goal for Crewe gave them a deserved 2-2 draw in a game that leaders Rochdale led twice.
Dale twice let lead slip at Gresty Road
Matt Tootle's first goal for Crewe gave them a deserved 2-2 draw in a game that below-par leaders Rochdale led twice.
Dario Gradi's side dominated from the off but needed goals from Ashley Westwood and Tootle to cancel out second-half strikes from Craig Dawson and Kallum Higginbotham.
Calvin Zola netted for the home side after just two minutes but his effort was ruled out for offside. Minutes later Zola then dragged Joel Grant's lay-off wide before Clayton Donaldson forced a fine save from Tom Heaton with a 25-yard effort.
Dale took the lead when Dawson drilled home Tom Kennedy's 53rd-minute corner from six yards out.
However, Westwood restored parity when he rammed the ball home from the edge of the box in the 71st minute, only for Higginbotham to drill into the roof of the net to restore Dale's advantage three minutes later.
But Tootle earned the Railwaymen a point when he hit home at the second attempt.
