An often bad-tempered local derby between mid-table Bury and high-flying Rochdale ended honours even with referee Michael Jones very much in centre stage.
Play-off hopefuls Rochdale were reduced to ten men midway through the first half when defender Nathan Stanton was somewhat harshly shown a red card for a foul on Elliott Bennett.
Bury took the lead in the 56th minute when Nicky Adams reacted first to an Andy Bishop flick and fired past Dale keeper Tommy Lee from 12 yards.
The home side were then reduced to ten men themselves on 74 minutes when defender Ben Futcher was caught in an off-the-ball indiscretion.
The game then ended in yet more controversy when referee Jones appeared to change his mind after awarding a penalty to the visitors.
After the understandable complaints had died down Rochdale's leading scorer substitute Adam Le Fondre stepped up to take the spot-kick. He calmly converted from the spot to register his 17th goal of the season and ensure the spoils were shared.