Sheffield United 3 - 2 Rochdale

Sheffield United v Rochdale at Bramall Lane

Rochdale twice came from behind but were edged out in a tight game at Bramall Lane. Che Adams fired the hosts into the lead with Peter Vincenti netting his seventh goal of the season from penalty spot to level after Mendez-Laing was upended. Parity lasted only two minutes as Adams finished well inside the area after a wonderful cross. Lewis Alessandra brought Dale level again midway through the second half but Sheffield scored almost from the re-start when Neill Collins headed home from a corner after static defending.

With injury and International call-ups decimating Keith Hill’s first choice eleven, the Dale boss made three changes from the midweek Football League Trophy win over Chesterfield. Tom Kennedy, Joe Rafferty and Olly Lancashire started as Dale looked to record a first ever win over Sheffield United.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with Rochdale just about shading it with Mendez-Laing causing the home defence problems with his pace.

The opening goal came against the run of play when Jose Baxter played a wonderfully weighted through ball to Adams who slotted past Lillis with confidence.

Dale didn’t let the goal affect them as they continued to press and got their rewards eight minutes before the interval. Former Dale striker Matty Lund clattered into Mendez-Laing inside the area leaving referee Oliver Langford no option but point to the spot. Leading scorer Peter Vincenti capped his player of the month award by sending his penalty into the roof of Mark Howard’s net.

Sheffield, roared on by almost 19,000 fans inside Bramall Lane, restored their lead just two minutes later. Billy Sharp beat Tom Kennedy for pace down the right before crossing to Adams. The winger controlled well on his chest to beat Rafferty before firing past Lillis.

A double change saw Sheffield press straight after the interval. Baxter was denied by Lillis at the back post when the Dale keeper made a brave save whilst Matt Done was thwarted when Lillis raced out of his area to block the strikers path.

Dale had half chances but a mixture of good defending and wayward shooting kept the score at 2-1.

With 18 minutes left, Alessandra netted his second goal in two games when he was played in by Mendez-Laing. The striker lifted the ball over Howard and, despite the best efforts of the Sheffield defenders, the goal was given.

Again the leveller only spurred on Sheffield and they re-took the lead within 90 seconds. Done’s pace saw him through on goal with Dale substitute Scott Tanser making a terrific tackle at the expense of a corner. From the set play, Neill Collins beat Rafferty at the near post to glance his side to the points.

The remainder of the game saw Sheffield with a trio of chances. Adams blazed over when he was dreaming of the match ball whilst Matt Lund denied Done with a great tackle. Adams had another opportunity for his hat-trick, Lillis saving well.

Attendance: 19,039 (572 from Rochdale)

Rochdale: Lillis, Cannon (Allen 36), McNulty, Lancashire, Kennedy (Tanser 69), Rafferty, McDermott (Noble-Lazarus 52), Lund, Vincenti, Mendez-Laing, Alessandra
Subs: (not used) Eastham, Diba, Barry-Murphy, Bunney

Sheffield United: Howard, Freeman, Basham, Collins, McEveley (Wallace 46), Adams, Scougill (McGahey 46), Done, Baxter, Coutts (Reed 73), Sharp
Subs: (not used) Woolford, Sammon, Campbell-Ryce, Long

Referee: Mr O Langford
Assistant Referees: Mr G Hart & Mr G Mellor
Fourth Official: Mr S Mather