Charlton 0 - 1 Rochdale

Charlton v Rochdale

Rochdale made it four wins in a row after a narrow win against Charlton Athletic at The Valley.

Calvin Andrew headed the only goal of the game midway through the first half to earn Rochdale maximum points.

Keeper Josh Lillis saved a Johnnie Jackson penalty to preserve Dale’s lead after Joe Bunney had tripped Ricky Holmes inside the box.

Despite late pressure from Charlton, Dale held on to claim the win.

Dale started the game in confident mood after three wins coming into this fixture.

Both sides had sights of goal in the opening exchanges: Lillis with a comfortable save from Ade Lookman. Calvin Andrew headed wide from eight yards out.

Joe Bunney has had an inspired few weeks since being moved from striker to left back and he again provided the ammunition for Dale. The young ‘defender’ beat Holmes down the left before sending a deflected cross into the area for Andrew to power home his header at the back post.

Moments after the goal, Dale almost doubled their advantage. A bustling run down the right wing by Andrew beat three Charlton players before playing in Joe Thompson. He scuffed his first shot, then fired in a second that Declan Rudd blocked before the Charlton scrambled the ball out for a corner.

The start of the second half was frantic with Andrew warming the hands of Rudd with a powerful snap shot. A neat turn by Andrew minutes later created space, but this time his shot was wayward.

Charlton, without a win in seven games, were given a way back into the game in the 49th minute. Holmes got goal side of Bunney inside the box and was clipped; referee Robert Jones had little hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Chalrton captain Jackson stepped up but was denied by a one-handed save by Lillis who pushed the ball onto his left hand post. The follow up by Josh Magennis was brilliantly blocked by Lillis, who was quickly to his feet with a third shot being scooped up by the Dale stopper.

The remainder of the game saw Rochdale defending resolutely as Charlton pressed for an equaliser.

Lookman had a couple of chances that Lillis saved and the Dale keeper also got down well to tip a Morgan Fox shot around the post.

Despite intense pressure from Charlton, the Dale defence stood firm to earn a first ever win at The Valley that sees them climb up to 11th in League One.

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, Keane, Canavan, Bunney, Camps, Lund, Allen (c) (McDermott 56), Thompson (McGahey 90), Andrew, Davies (Odelusi 84)
Subs: (not used) Logan, Rathbone, Noble-Lazarus, Morley

Charlton: Rudd, Foley, Bauer, Pearce, Fox, Holmes (Botaka 81), Crofts (Ajose 64), Jackson (c), Lookman, Ulvestad, Magennis (Novak 71)
Subs: (not used) Phillips, Chicksen, Konsa, Lennon

Referee: Mr R Jones
Assistants: Mr M Webb and Mr G Kane
Fourth Official: Mr G Maskell

Attendance: 14,460 (415 from Rochdale)