Notts County 1 – 2 Rochdale

Notts County 1 – 2 Rochdale

Rochdale got back to winnings ways after coming from behind to beat struggling Notts County. Garry Thompson’s firm header put the Magpies in front but the lead only lasted five minutes. Ian Henderson capitalised on a defensive blunder before rounding keeper Roy Carroll and firing into the empty net. Dale’s winner came nine minutes into the second half when Henderson’s shot cannoned off the post for Peter Vincenti to slot home.

Keith Hill made one change to his starting line up with Stephen Dawson preferred to Joe Bunney. Former Dale players Gary Jones and Paddy McCourt lined up for County.

The opening exchanges were quite scrappy with McCourt choipping over when he picked up a cross field pass by Ashley Eastham.

Henderson volleyed over when well placed whilst youngster Andy Cannon tried his luck from distance after a swift Dale counter attack but missed the target.

Paddy McCourt was trying to add a spark to the County attack as he ghosted past the Dale players at ease but was foiled by Jones when he did get his shot away.

The opening goal had a fair bit of fortune about it when Elliot Whitehouse’s right wing cross deflected up giving Thompson the run on Eastham to head home from close range.

Dale responded well and were soon back on level terms. Cannon’s ball over the top was headed back towards Carroll by Edwards; although the defenders header was short, Henderson nipped in to round the keeper and fired home from an acute angle.

Both sides pushed forward before half time; Henderson headed into the side netting when he perhaps should have done better.

Thompson missed a glorious opportunity at the other end. McCourt's through ball was missed by Leroy Lita but fell to Thompson with the striker completely missing his shot with just the keeper to beat.

Dale’s winner came just nine minutes after the re-start. Dawson’s cross was wonderfully volleyed by Henderson with the ball hitting the post and falling at the feet of Vincenti to tap home.

Dale controlled the game after the goal with County limited to snap shots from distance. The one time Blair Adams broke through, his powerful volley was beaten away by Jones.

The win keeps Dale within touching distance of the top six going into Saturday’s game against another struggling side in Scunthorpe.

Attendance: 3,159 (170 Rochdale)

Rochdale: Jones, Cannon, Eastham, O’Connell, Kennedy, Bennett, Vincenti, Dawson, Allen, Rose, Henderson (c)
Subs: (not used) Lillis, Lancashire, Brandy, Noble-Lazarus, Hery, Tanser, Bunney

Notts County: Carroll, Whitehouse (Hayhurst 58), Mullins (c), Hollis, Edwards, Adams, Jones, C Thompson, McCourt (Wroe 80), G Thompson, Lita (Bajner70)
Subs: (not used) Pilkington, Smith, Newton, Daniels,

Referee: Mr R Clark
Assistant Referees: Mr P Hobday and Mr S Lucas
Fourth Official: Mr S Rushton