Rochdale 1 - 1 Dorking

Date published: 16 April 2024

Rochdale had to come back from behind to take a share of the points with Dorking. Dorking opened the scoring early in the second half through Charlie Carter; Devante Rodney equalised soon after for Dale.

Dale dominated possession in the first half creating chances and having several shots blocked as solid defending from Dorking kept them at bay.

Kairo Mitchell came close for Dale with a shot from outside the penalty area that went just wide of the post.

Mitchell it was who was again close to scoring when just failing to connect with a Cian Hayes cross as he slid in at the back post.

Sam Mather also tested Dorking goalkeeper Slavomir Huk after cutting inside a defender and hitting a low shot that the Dorking goalkeeper saved.

Dorking were twice denied by Dale goalkeeper Jacob Chapman; firstly, when a Jimmy Muitt cross found Alfie Rutherford at the near post, but Chapman saved well from close range, and secondly when he did well to tip a Bobby-Joe Taylor shot over the bar.

Dale started well in the second half with Ryan East and Devante Rodney both bringing saves out of Huk before Dorking took the lead, a shot by Rutherford was blocked and fell to Charlie Carter whose low drive went in off the post.

Dale were quickly back level when Hayes found Mitchell just inside the Dorking penalty area, Mitchell passed to Rodney who cut inside a defender and hit a powerful shot into the top corner.

A superb save by Chapman prevented Dorking quickly retaking the lead when he tipped a Tony Craig header over the bar.

Dale constantly created chances, Mitchell had a shot following a surging run through midfield by George Nevett but was wide, before hitting over the bar from close range from a corner.

A long-range Ryan East pass over the Dorking defence found Rodney who controlled well but his attempt went straight to the keeper.

Into stoppage time, and with Dale still pressing for the winner, Huk denied substitute Ian Henderson to keep the score level at full time.