F A Cup Second Round: Carlisle United 0 - 2 Rochdale

Rochdale made it through to the third round of the FA Cup after overcoming League Two leaders Carlisle United at Brunton Park thanks to two second half goals from Steven Davies and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing. Davies saw his turn and shot deflect over Mark Gillespie three minutes into the second half. Mendez-Laing sealed Dale’s passage through with a goal in stoppage time.

It was a first home defeat of the season for Carlisle whilst Dale await the draw for the third round on Monday evening.

After defeat away at Gillingham last weekend, Keith Hill made four changes to his starting line-up as he looked to overcome a stern looking test at Carlisle. Keith Keane and Niall Canavan returned to the heart of defence whilst Steven Davies and Ian Henderson were added to provide more fire power meaning Joe Bunney returned to left back.

The first half was a lively affair although neither keeper were overly worked.

Conrad Logan saved a low Danny Grainger strike after a short free kick.

Joe Rafferty twice warmed the hands of Gillespie with shots from outside the area.

Gillespie had to be brave to block at the feet of Davies after a goalmouth scramble with the home side smothering the ball away from danger.

Gillespie was the busier of the two keepers and when he spilled a Rafferty centre, Canavan couldn’t capitalise as he shot wide from seven yards out.

Carlisle had former Dale duo Nicky Adams and Jason Kennedy in their side and the pair linked up well after 20 minutes with the latter seeing his looping header nestle on the roof of Logan’s net as he looked to add to his tally of nine already this season.

The majority of the Brunton Park crowd were calling for a red card when Canavan hauled down Charlie Wyke on the half way line; referee Mark Haywood opting for a caution.

With the central defender walking a tightrope having already been booked, Hill made a change at half time with Jim McNulty replacing Canavan.

Within minutes of the restart Dale were in front through leading scorer Steven Davies. With the striker 20 yards from goal he turned well and sent a dipping shot that deflected off Michael Raynes and over Gillespie for the opener.

Rochdale were the better side as the game wore on and with Carlisle committing men forward in the latter stages, Dale got the second their play deserved. Olly Rathbone’s run to the by-line made space and when he picked out substitute Mendez-Laing arriving at the back post, the winger slotted into the bottom corner for his fourth of the season.

The victory was good one for Rochdale and with the Premier League and Championship sides entering the competition at the next stage, the Spotland faithful will be dreaming of that plum tie when the draw is made on Monday.

Carlisle: Gillespie, Miller, Raynes, Brisley (Asamoah 82), Grainger (c), Lambe (Devitt 60), Joyce, Jones, Kennedy (Miller 59), Adams, Wyke.
Subs: (not used) Crocombe, Ellis, Gillesphey, McKee.

Rochdale: Logan, Rafferty, Keane, Canavan (McNulty 46), Bunney (Mendez-Laing 87), Camps (c), Lund, Rathbone, Henderson, Davies (McGahey 78).
Subs: (not used) Lillis, Noble-Lazarus, Morley, Odelusi.

Referee: Mr M Haywood
Assistants: Mr B Cropp and Mr G Fyvie
Fourth Official: Mr D Underwood

Attendance: 4,426 (417 from Rochdale)