EFL Cup First Round: Rochdale 3 - 1 Chesterfield

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Ian Henderson scored Rochdale's first goal

Rochdale came from behind to comfortably beat league one rivals Chesterfield in the first round of the newly named EFL Cup.

An unstoppable 25 yard strike from Chesterfield full back Paul McGinn gave the visitors a half-time lead but Ian Henderson levelled 90 seconds after the interval when he headed in Jamie Allen’s free-kick.

Andy Cannon slid in Rochdale's second from Donal McDermott’s centre and substitute Nathaniel Mendez-Laing tapped in the third after good hold up play from Calvin Andrew.

Dale manager Keith Hill made three changes to the side that lost on Saturday in the league one opener. Andrew, McDermott and new loan signing Sanmi Odelsui were all given the nod. Joe Thompson, who returned to his home town club over the weekend after signing a six month deal, started on the bench.

After his blunder that gifted Peterborough the three points on Saturday, Dale keeper Josh Lillis certainly kept his side in this game in the opening quarter of an hour with two very good saves.

Lillis palmed away Ian Evatt’s header after a corner whilst the keeper tipped Ched Evans’ powerful drive over the bar.

Dale side rarely threatened Chesterfield keeper Ryan Fulton in the first half, Andrew’s diving header and Odelusi’s wild swing were the closest Dale came, with neither hitting the target.

The opening goal came on the half hour mark when Paul McGinn let fly from 25 yards, beating Lillis hands down, although whether it was meant as a shot or a cross only the full back will know.

Rochdale came out of the blocks for the second half much brighter and levelled through captain Ian Henderson. Jamie Allen’s delicate free-kick into the area was met by Henderson, who planted his header into the top corner leaving Fulton rooted to the spot.

Dale were enjoying much more of the ball and soon edged in front. Donal McDermott’s trickery gave him space to shoot and when his initial attempt was blocked, he unselfishly drilled the ball across goal where Cannon was on hand to slide home his second goal in as many games.

Rochdale were in the ascendancy and could have added to their lead - Henderson, Cannon and Andrew all going close.

Lillis had to be alert at the other end when Evans nipped in ahead of a static Dale defence, but the keeper tipped over his lobbed ball.

The introduction of Mendez-Laing caused Chesterfield no end of problems, with the winger netting Dale’s third with 12 minutes remaining. A terrific ball from McDermott picked out Andrew down the right who had to hold onto possession until help arrived. That help came in the form of Mendez-Laing whose late dart into the six yard box was picked out perfectly by Andrew for him to slot home.

There were more chances for Dale to extend their lead through Andrew, Mendez-Laing and late substitute Joe Bunney, but the game ended 3-1 and Dale had secured a place in the next round.

Attendance: 1,436

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, McGahey, Canavan, McNulty, Allen, McDermott (Thompson 80), Henderson (c), Cannon, Andrew (Bunney 90), Odelusi (Mendez-Laing 69)
Subs: (not used) Diba, Tanser, Camps, Morley

Chesterfield: Fulton, McGinn, Hird, Evatt (Raglan (60), Donohue, Ariyibi, Dimaio, Liddle (c), Mitchell (Morrison 64), Evans, O’Shea (Simons 72)
Subs: (not used) Dennis, Allinson, Daly, Graham

Referee: Mr N Miller
Assistants: Mr A Greenwood and Mr P Hobday
Fourth Official: Mr J Bell