Rochdale 1 - 2 Solihull Moors

Date published: 16 September 2024

Dale’s four-match winning run came to an end with a 2-1 defeat at home to Solihull Moors on Saturday 14 September.

Two goals from Conor Wilkinson either side of the break put the visitors ahead and despite Kairo Mitchell’s late goal and a late onslaught, Dale couldn’t find the equaliser.

Jimmy McNulty made two changes to the starting line-up from Tuesday night, with Harvey Gilmour and Devante Rodney replacing Aaron Henry and Connor McBride.

Dale saw a lot of the ball early on and Ryan East curled a shot off target, whilst Gilmour had an effort from 20 yards headed behind after it looked to be heading towards the top corner.

However, it was the visitors who took the lead just before the half-hour mark. Gilmour was dispossessed by Wilkinson, who took his chance and broke the deadlock.

It was nearly two moments later, but Dale keeper David Robson made a good one-on-one save to deny Bradley Stevenson after he broke the offside trap.

Moors had a few sighters towards the end of the half through Joe Newton, Wilkinson and John Bostock, but couldn’t extend their lead before the break.

After the interval, Dale started the brighter of the teams, with East creating a great chance for substitute Jake Burger, who headed the cross wide of the far post.

Moments later, Solihull doubled their lead when Wilkinson latched on to a ball over the top and finished coolly past Robson.

Dale responded by re-establishing their possession of the ball which led to an effort from Tobi Adebayo-Rowling saved, and further shots from East and Tarryn Allarakhia blocked.

It was the latter who provided the assist for Dale’s goal when he showed quick feet in the area and dug out a pass for Mitchell to grab his sixth goal in four games.

Dale threw everything at it in the final stages, including eight minutes of added time, with Sam Beckwith slicing an effort over and Ian Henderson sending a well-won header at goalkeeper Laurie Walker.

The goalkeeper then made two more saves, tipping wide low efforts from Allarakhia and Aaron Henry.

But McNulty’s men couldn’t find the elusive equaliser, ending their run of five unbeaten games.