Walsall 0 - 3 Rochdale

Walsall versus Rochdale

Rochdale started the new year off with a bang with a comprehensive win at the league leaders Walsall. Ian Henderson scored his fourth goal in five games early on with Calvin Andrew netting a second half brace as Dale outclassed Walsall who didn’t even register a shot on target throughout the whole game.

With Joel Castro Pereira having been recalled by Manchester United, Josh Lillis was back wearing in goal.

Walsall got the game under way but it was Dale who started on the front foot, Ian Henderson stealing the ball and seeing his shot tipped over the bar inside the opening 10 seconds. From the corner, Calvin Andrew fired narrowly over the bar.

Keith Hill got his tactics absolutely spot on and Dale’s high energy pressing forced more errors from the league leaders.

Andy Cannon’s tenacious play saw him regain possession in the attacking third, squaring for Henderson to sweep home the opener inside three minutes.

The chances for Rochdale kept on coming.

Cannon was denied by Etheridge and then he hit a shot into the side netting minutes later.

The second half was much of the same.

Andrew saw his shot loop up with Etheridge back peddling to tip over. From the corner, Donal McDermott fired agonisingly wide.

The travelling contingent from Rochdale were enjoying their afternoon and things were about to get better as Dale doubled their advantage.

McDermott’s corner was met by the diving head of Andrew to make it two.

Etheridge, named the Walsall man-of-the-match, denied Henderson a second when he got down low to save but he couldn’t do anything to stop Andrew getting his second and Dale’s third.

Camps’ wonderful pass picked out McDermott who in turn found Andrew inside the area. The big number nine buried the cross first time into the bottom corner.

Dale had further chances to extend their lead but McDermott, Henderson and Vincenti were denied when well placed.

Rochdale manager, Keith Hill felt it was the most complete performance from any of the sides he has ever managed with some of the Walsall media suggesting 3-0 flattered Walsall, who could have had no complaints had the game ended 6-0.

It's just the start Rochdale would have wanted to the new year, and they will hope to continue this form next week when Chesterfield visit Spotland.