Rochdale 3 - 1 Scunthorpe

Rochdale 3 - 1 Scunthorpe

Michael Rose’s first goal of the season set Rochdale on their way to victory as they brushed aside struggling Scunthorpe United. His free-kick wide on the right evaded everybody and nestled inside the far post. Scunthorpe levelled on the hour mark when Dutchman Kevin Van Veen fired a low shot past Jamie Jones but Dale were back in front 60 seconds later through leading scorer Ian Henderson. Peter Vincenti wrapped up the win late on with a close range header.

In an unchanged side from midweek, Dale controlled the opening stages although it was Scunthorpe who had the first chances.

Paddy Madden raced onto a long punt upfield but slotted wide whilst Van Veel went close with a 20 yard free-kick.

Dale took the lead with 22 minutes played with a deceptive free-kick which was whipped in from wide on the right. The ball was attacked by a few Dale players which caught the visiting keeper Luke Daniels off guard and it sailed inside the post.

Dale were definitely in control and went close moments after taking the lead. Stephen Dawson showed great skill to lift the ball over one defender on the edge of the area but his volley flew over the bar.

The second half started much like the first with Dale in control and it was against the run of play when Scunthorpe levelled on the hour mark. Canavan’s long ball was controlled well by Van Veen with his low shot beating Jones low down to his right.

The goal could have unsettled Dale but instead they went up the other end and edged in front again. Rhys Bennett’s powerful shot came back off the inside of the post where Henderson was on hand to divert the ball over the line for his 18th of the season.

The final goal of the game came with just six minutes remaining. Rose’s ball down the left picked out Henderson who twisted and turned Jordan Clarke before picking out a perfect cross for Vincenti to head home from inside the six yard box.

It was a satisfying win against a side that have had the better of recent meetings between the two and it sets up nicely a short trip down the A627(M) on Tuesday for the local derby against Oldham at Boundary Park.

Attendance: 2,738

Rochdale: Jones, Cannon, Eastham, O’Connell, Kennedy, Bennett, Vincenti, Dawson (Noble-Lazarus 73), Allen, Rose, Henderson (c)(Bunney 90)
Subs: (not used) Lillis, Lancashire, Brandy, Hery, Tanser

Scunthorpe: Daniels, Clarke, Canavan (c), Boyce, Williams (Adelakum 55), Evans (O’Neil 69), Osbourne, Townsend, Van Veen, Madden, Wooton (McSheffrey 64)
Subs: (not used) Anyon, Lundstrum, Llera, Davey

Referee: Mr C Sarginson
Assistant Referees: Mr S Copeland & Mr R Merchant
Fourth Official: Mr C Akers