Peterborough United 2 - 1 Rochdale

Two quickfire goals early in the game saw Rochdale go down to their second defeat in just a few days, this time at the hands of Peterborough United. Harry Beautyman headed home a fifth minute corner and Christian Burgess bundled home less than two minutes later after a Josh Lillis mistake. Joe Rafferty fired a stunning goal to half the deficit but Dale couldn’t find an equaliser.

Dale boss Keith Hill made four changes to his starting 11. Jack O’Connell started in the heart of the Dale defence whilst striker Joe Bunney, utilised as a left back on Tuesday, started the game there in place of Scott Tanser. Joe Rafferty returned at right back whilst Rueben Noble-Lazarus was given a starting berth on the wing.

Peterborough started the game very brightly and took the lead from their first real attack. Capitalising on Bunney’s lack of defensive qualities, Michael Smith whipped in a delightful ball for Beautyman to head home from close range.

The Peterborough right was their main attacking option as they tore through the Dale back line on every attack.

Smith again centred for Beautyman but Lillis stopped it low down, Ash Eastham, slamming the ball behind for a corner.

From the flag kick, The Posh doubled their advantage. Lillis’ attempted punch skimmed off his gloves where Burgess was on hand to bundle the ball home from one yard out.

Peterborough continued to push down the right and went close to a third moments later. Another Smith cross was met by Erhan Oztumer but the Turkish midfielder could only find the side netting.

It looked like it could be a long afternoon for the travelling Dale faithful but they were given hope on 25 minutes when Joe Rafferty popped up with his first ever League goal - and what a goal it was. The full back picked up possession just inside the Peterborough half and was encouraged to drive forward before unleashing an unstoppable 25 yard drive that nestled into the top corner of Alnwick’s goal.

Dale pushed on for an equaliser but never troubled Peterborough once they got into the final third.

The half time interval brought about a double change for Dale with Michael Rose and Callum Camps replacing Rueben Noble-Lazarus and Ash Eastham.

The change in personnel did quell the Peterborough attack with the game just drifting from one end to the other.

The introduction of Calvin Andrew, Dale’s third and final change, lasted only 10 minutes when the big striker was fouled by Shaun Brisley resulting in the him leaving the field, Dale having to see out the final 15 minutes a man light.

In the end, Dale couldn’t force the equaliser and slip to 15th in League One.

The Dale boss might have to look at strengthening his attacking options if the injury to Andrew is as serious as it first looks.

Attendance: 5,163 (220 from Rochdale)

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, Eastham (Rose 46), Lancashire (c), O’Connell, Bunney, Allen (Andrew 65), Dawson, Noble-Lazarus (Camps 46), Henderson, Vincenti.
Subs: (not used) Diba, Logan, Cannon, Bell.

Peterborough: Alnwick, Smith, Brisley, Bostwick, Payne, James, Oztumer (Norris 69), Newell (Ntihe 46), McLean (Taylor 65), Burgess, Beautyman.
Subs: (not used) Loach, Washington, Anderson, Zakuani.

Referee: Mr K Hill
Assistant Referees: Mr P Kirkup & Mr G Muge
Fourth Official: Mr A Howson