Paul Connor denied Swansea a priceless win with a brilliant strike as 10-man Rochdale fought back from a goal down to earn a draw in south Wales.

The visitors' promotion challenge looked to have stalled when Clive Platt was dismissed before half-time with Swansea already in front.

But Connor, who scored twice against Macclesfield in his last outing, produced an excellent finish from 20 yards to salvage a point for Paul Simpson's side with time running out.

Swansea pushed for an early breakthrough and Steve Watkin and Kristian O'Leary both had chances but could only produce wayward finishes.

The home team, though, were given a reminder of the visitors' quality in attack when Gareth Griffith's header from a Simpson corner forced an alert save from veteran goalkeeper Roger Freestone.

Low shot

Richard Jobson then lifted a header over the Swansea crossbar but just as Rochdale seemed to be taking control, Flynn's side grabbed the lead.

Striker Jamie Thomas collected the ball on the edge of the box and drove a low shot beyond the dive of goalkeeper Neil Edwards to claim his fifth goal of the season.

The problems for Rochdale deepened when striker Platt was shown a straight red card for a fierce challenge on Jason Smith.

The pace of the match dipped after the interval and both teams lacked inspiration, but with the final whistle approaching the visitors finally silenced the home crowd when Connor curled a quality 20-yard shot past Freestone.

Swansea: Freestone, Evans, O'Leary, Howard, Jason Smith, Jenkins, Mumford, Phillips, Lacey, Thomas, Watkin. Subs: David Smith, Marsh, Keaveny, Moss, De-Vulgt.

Rochdale: Edwards, Evans, Griffiths, Doughty, Jobson, Flitcroft, Oliver, Simpson, Bishop, Platt, Connor. Subs: Gilks, Hodges, Townson, McCourt, Macauley.

Referee: R Styles (Hampshire).