Sheffield United 1 - 0 Rochdale

Sheffield United 1 - 0 Rochdale

Rochdale put up a brave performance but a deflected Jamal Campbell-Ryce cross looped over Dale keeper Conrad Logan for a lucky winner. Ian Henderson had rattled the Sheffield United crossbar with a spectacular volley as both sides cancelled each other out in an entertaining game.

Sheffield United, backed by almost 19,000 supporters, had the early chance when Jose Baxter flicked a Ben Davies free kick just wide.

Henderson went close Dale with a header but couldn’t force Howard into any kind of save.

The second half produced more in the way of goal mouth activity with both sides having chances.

Campbell-Ryce was real thorn in the side for Dale all game and he tested Logan with a header nine minutes after the break.

Dale came close to breaking the deadlock with 19 minutes left on the clock. Logan’s long punt upfield was flicked on by Vincenti to Henderson. He took one touch to control before unleashing an unstoppable volley that crashed back of the cross bar.

Sheffield United grew in confidence as the game wore on and their fans raised their voices.

Baxter forced Logan into a low save whilst the Dale keeper had to be alert at his near post when a close range shot looked likely to sneak in.

The only goal came with seven minutes left of the game and it had more than a slice of good fortune about it. Campbell-Ryce picked up a deep corner and whilst trying to put the ball back into the mix, his cross deflected up off Dawson and looped over Logan and into the net.

It was a cruel blow to Dale who hadn’t been over awed at their surroundings.

Peter Vincenti forced Howard into a flying save deep into stoppage time with a looping header but in the end Dale fell just short.

Attendance: 19,122

Rochdale: Logan, Rafferty (Kennedy 43), Eastham, O’Connell, Tanser, Dawson, Bennett (Fenelon 86), Allen (Andrew 86), Vincenti, Done, Henderson (c)
Subs: (not used) Diba, Lancashire, Hery, Bunney

Sheff Utd: Howard, Alcock, Collins, McGahey, McEveley, Campbell-Ryce, Davies (McNulty 63), Doyle (c), Basham (Wallace 74), Baxter, Murphy (Flynn 65)
Subs: (not used) Harris, Higdon, Reed, Turner

Referee: Mr G Sutton
Assistant Referees: Mr S Wade & Mr R Whitton
Fourth Official: Mr I Siddall