Rochdale 1 - 0 Leyton Orient

Photo: Alpha Photography

Rochdale 1 - 0 Leyton Orient

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Ian Henderson scored the only goal of the game as Rochdale overcame relegation threatened Leyton Orient to keep their slim hopes of reaching the play offs alive. Dale’s leading scorer steered a Peter Vincenti pull back into the top corner to take the race for the play offs down to the last two games.

Josh Lillis and Rhys Bennett replaced the suspended duo of Jamie Jones and Matt Lund as Keith Hill made a total of five changes to his starting line up from the weekend. Olly Lancashire and Scott Tanser returned from injury whilst Michael Rose also got the nod.

The visitors came into the game knowing they needed a win to climb out of the relegation places whilst Dale knew only a win would keep the hope of reeling in Chesterfield alive.

The opening exchanges were understandably nervous with Dale growing into the contest as the minutes passed by.

Henderson was inches away from connecting to a Vincenti low cross.

At the other end Ryan Hedges’ snap shot didn’t trouble Lillis.

Henderson went close when he met a Michael Rose near post free-kick and Dale’s leading scorer was involved soon after in some great build up play. The former Colchester man’s centre was headed up in the air by Vincenti with Jamie Allen being denied with a brave block from his close range volley.

There was a scare at the other end when David Mooney beat the offside trap; his cushioned volley beat Lillis but also the bar as Dale survived.

Dale controlled the second half for the most part, the closest Orient came was inside the first minute of the restart, Dean Cox’s floated freekick was glanced wide by captain Nathan Clarke with the goal at his mercy.

Visiting keeper Alex Cisak acrobatically saved when his own striker, David Mooney, headed a Rose freekick.

Vincenti had his head in his hands ten minutes later after heading over the bar when well placed.

The deadlock was broken in the 66th minute through Henderson’s 21st goal of a remarkable season. Rhys Bennett won the ball back in midfield before playing in Vincenti. His dart into the area and pull back was perfect for Henderson to fire into the top corner.

It could have been better for Dale when Allen was played in by Bennett but the diminutive midfielder poked wide with Cisak bearing down on him.

Henderson was denied by Cisak when through on goal with the big Polish keeper quickly back on his feet to push away substitute Calvin Andrew's follow up shot.

Cisak was certainly earning his money when he brilliantly denied Henderson’s near post header with Bennett firing the follow up just over the bar.

It’s a win that means Rochdale still have a chance of catching Chesterfield but it will require two wins from the next two games and either of Sheffield United or Chesterfield losing their next two matches; the last of which is against each other.

Attendance: 1,914

Rochdale: Lillis, Tanser, Eastham, Lancashire (c), Kennedy, Cannon, Rose, Bennett. Allen (Andrew 81), Henderson, Vincenti
Subs: (not used) Diba, Rafferty, Logan, Camps, Bunney, Noble-Lazarus

L Orient: Cisak, Omozusi, Baudry, Clarke (c), Lowry, Hedges (Pritchard 63), Bartley, Wright (James 70), Cox (Simpson 77), Dagnall, Mooney
Subs: (not used) McAnuff, Batt, Sargant

Referee: Mr D Drysdale
Assistant Referees: Mr S Eagland & Mr S Oldham
Fourth Official: Mr D Strain