Scunthorpe 2 - 1 Rochdale

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Ian Henderson score Rochdale's goal

Rochdale crashed to a stoppage time defeat at the hands of Scunthorpe despite taking a first half lead. Ian Henderson’s goal four minutes before half time was nothing less than Dale deserved after a positive first half but Scunthorpe were back on terms nine minutes after the interval.

Peter Vincenti had the ball in the net late on but an assistant's flag cut short any celebrations before Matt Crooks’ 20 yard volley sealed a first win in nine for Scunthorpe whilst continuing Dale’s winless streak.

Keith Hill named former Scunthorpe defender Niall Canavan in his starting line-up whilst Callum Camps was also recalled.

Dale created the best chances in the first half and could have been a couple of goals in front before Henderson’s opener.

A cross from the left was flicked on by the Dale skipper with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing in the right place to fire a powerful shot at goal; Luke Daniels equal to it in the Scunthorpe goal.

Ollie Rathbone was unlucky not to add to his season’s tally when he turned and shot from the edge of the area only to see his effort deflected against the post and out for a corner.

Scunthorpe's first real foray forward came just after the half hour mark when a swift counter attack almost caught Dale short but some brave defending from McGahey smothered the chance as Madden was about to pull the trigger.

The opening goal came from a Rochdale corner. Mendez-Laing’s centre was partially cleared and when Rathbone picked up, he played in Mendez-Laing whose pace and trickery saw him make space for a cross which was perfect for Henderson who headed home from close range.

Scunthorpe, who have gone nine games without a win and slipped from top of the table to fifth, came out looking much better in the second half and got back level soon after the interval. Former Dale man Stephen Dawson’s cross from the right was glanced in at the near post by Paddy Madden to make the game 1-1.

The game was really opening up with both sides creating chances.

Madden’s run the to the by-line and subsequent pull back caused problems in the Dale six yard box.

David Mirfin blocked bravely when Mendez-Laing raced in at goal.

Rochdale had huge appeals for a penalty waived away by referee Webb after Mendez-Laing was seemingly upended inside the box. Vincenti slotted the ball into the net to make sure but a flag ruled he was offside.

With four minutes of stoppage time shown by the fourth official, Scunthorpe pounced in the third minute. A long punt forward was laid off by substitute Ivan Toney for midfielder Matt Crooks who smashed an unstoppable volley into the bottom corner to re-ignite his side's promotion aspirations whilst at the same time douse hopes that Dale could sneak a top six finish themselves.

Scunthorpe: Daniels, Clarke, Wallace, Mirfin, Toffolo, Ness, Dawson (c), Crooks, Madden (Goode 90), van Veen (Adelakun 30), Hopper (Toney 62).
Subs: (not used) Anyon, Holmes, Davies, Wiseman.

Rochdale: Wilson, Rafferty (Vincenti 73), McGahey, Canavan, McNulty, Camps, Allen, Rathbone (Cannon 62), Mendez-Laing, Andrew, Henderson (c).
Subs: (not used) Logan, Owusu, Morley, Kitching, Gillam.

Referee: Mr D Webb
Assistants: Mr B Gordon and Mr G Fyvie
Fourth Official: Mr C Akers

Attendance: 3,225