Shrewsbury Town 3 - 2 Rochdale

Photo: Brad Journeaux

Shrewsbury Town v Rochdale

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Rochdale couldn’t halt Shrewsbury's 100% start to the season in the league despite Steven Davies scoring twice from the penalty spot.

Davies opened the scoring from 12 yards after Bradden Inman was tripped but Shrewsbury equalised with a penalty of their own 13 minutes later.

Carlton Morris gave the hosts a half time lead after a left wing cross found him unmarked.

Dale were given a lifeline just after the hour mark after referee Andy Haines spotted a handball; Davies restoring parity with his second penalty kick.

Shrewsbury substitute Stefan Payne earned the three points for his side when he powered away from Harrison McGahey before firing past Brendan Moore.

Dale were denied a point when Dean Henderson pulled off a fine one handed save to deny Ian Henderson late on.

With Josh Lillis picking up a training ground injury in midweek, Dale manager Keith Hill handed a debut to goalkeeper Brendan Moore.

Harrison McGahey made his first start this season after injury saw him miss the opening three games.

Hill also gave a league debut to summer signing Bradden Inman whilst Steven Davies got the nod over Matt Done.

Shrewsbury, who had won their two opening league games, started well but it was Dale who opened the scoring. Inman's direct run was cut short by a challenge from Aristote Nsiala andh referee Haines pointed to the spot; Davies emphatically sending Henderson the wrong way.

Shrewsbury responded well and almost instantly got back on terms. A mistake by Niall Canavan allowed Morris in but Moore was out superbly to block the danger.

Davies saw an acrobatic effort flash wide.

Moore was out bravely at the feet of Whalley as the game opened up.

The referee evened up the penalty count on the half hour mark when Oliver Rathbone tripped Whalley. The former Norwich City youth player dusted himself down to send Moore the wrong way.

The Dale backline was looking weak and that proved to be the case three minutes later when Shrewsbury edged in front. Alex Rodman raced away down the left before crossing to Carlton Morris who stabbed in from seven yards out.

Having already had to use up one substitution late in the first half when Callum Camps went off injured, the Dale manager gambled by making a double half time change. Joe Bunney, another returning from injury, and Matt Done replaced Kgosi Nthle and Niall Canavan.

The changes saw a change in the flow of the game as Dale pressured their hosts.

Ian Henderson's turn and shot well saved by his namesake in the opposition goal.

A succession of Dale corners had Shrewsbury pinned back and when Rathbone sent over a swinging flag kick, Nsiala raised his hands and Haines again pointed to the spot.

Davies stepped up once more and although Henderson guessed the correct way, the precision of the strike had him well beaten.

With the game again in the balance, Shrewsbury stepped up a gear and brought on new signing Stefan Payne, who wasted no time in causing Dale pain of their own as he powered past McGahey before shooting beyond Moore to earn Shrewsbury the win.

Ian Henderson had his head in his hands late on when he found space inside the area, denied only by an athletic one handed save by the keeper.

Rochdale: Moore, McGahey, Canavan (Done 46), McNulty, Nthle (Bunney 46), Rafferty, Camps(Allen 42), Rathbone, Inman, Henderson © Davies.
Substitutes: Collis, Cannon, Kitching, Williams.

Shrewsbury: Henderson, Bolton, Nsiala, Sadler, Brown, Whalley (John-Lewis 90,Ogogo ©, Dodds (Adams 81), Rodman, Nolan, Morris (Payne 68).
Substitutes: MacGillivray, Gnahoua, Jules, Ennis.

Referee: Mr A Haines
Assistants: Mr N Smith and C Ward
Fourth Official: Mr J Simpson

Attendance: 5,001