Aldershot 0 - 0 Rochdale

Photo: Brad Journeaux

FA Cup: Aldershot v Rochdale

Rochdale had keeper Conrad Logan to thank after a huge late scare almost saw them go out of the cup at non-league Aldershot. The on loan stopper pulled off a wonderful one-handed save deep in stoppage time to earn Dale a replay.

Dale boss Keith Hill had a real selection headache in the run up to the game after a sickness bug swept through the squad meaning he could only name five substitutes and gave a start to former Aldershot player Peter Vincenti - his first start since October when he injured his knee at Swindon.

Aldershot, who beat Portsmouth in the first round, were looking for another upset against a team two divisions higher but it was Dale who had the opening chance. Michael Rose’s long range shot twice deflected off Aldershot players before falling at the feet of Calvin Andrew who did nothing wrong with his attempt but was denied by the quick thinking of keeper Phil Smith.

Dan Holman caused the Rochdale defence no end of troubles and had two quick-fire chances to break the deadlock just before half time. He turned Eastham on the edge of the area before trying unsuccessfully to chip Logan, and moments later he rolled Lancashire in a similar position but flashed his shot across the face of goal.

The second half began similar to the first with Dale creating an early chance. Rose’s delightful ball into the area caused chaos in the Aldershot defence with Wilson heading away in front of his own keeper. The ball fell to Vincenti but the former Aldershot man saw his shot blocked by Smith.

From the hour mark the game belonged to the Conference side. Logan pulled off a great one-handed save from Williams with Logan reacting quickest to clear the loose ball.

Henderson shot into the side netting with a rare Dale attack after good work from Dawson.

Williams created space in the area for himself again late on; this time his shot flashing across goal.

The big striker was foiled again by Logan when through on goal, Logan out quickly to block his attempted chip.

With the board showing four minutes of added time at the end of the 90, Aldershot laid siege to the Dale goal.

Substitute Plummer played a terrific ball across goal with a combination of defenders and goalkeeper clearing the danger.

With seconds remaining, Aldershot thought they had snatched a place in the third round when Wilson saw his effort somehow kept out by Logan with a strong hand.

The Dale boss was certainly the happier of the two managers at full time, especially with the disruption in the build up to the game.

The draw for the third round will be live on TV on Monday evening. The replay will be at Spotland on Tuesday 16 December with a 7:45pm kick off.

Attendance: 3,143 (Rochdale 298)

Rochdale: Logan, Rose, Tanser, Eastham, Lancashire (c), Dawson, Vincenti, Hery (Cywka 71), Allen, Andrew (Muldoon 74), Henderson
Subs: (not used) Lillis, Camps, Noble-Lazarus

Aldershot: Smith, Barker, Oaslter, Wilson (c) Gibbs, Molesley (Plummer 75), Oyeleke, Roberts, Holman, Williams, Forbes (Hatton 90)
Subs: (not used) Thomas, Fitchett, Diallo, Derry Phillips

Referee: Mr P Gibbs
Assistant Referees: Mr M Mellor & Mr J O'Brien
Fourth Official: Mr L Venamore