Football: Rochdale 1 - 0 Charlton

Ian Henderson’s fourth minute strike was enough for Rochdale to earn the three points in a close but entertaining game at a bitterly cold Crown Oil Arena. The Dale captain netted his 99th goal for the club with a low shot after good work from Stephen Dooley. Keeper Brendan Moore made up for fouling Darren Pratley inside the box by saving the resultant spot kick. Both sides had chances but neither could add to the scoreline as Dale held on for only their second home win of the season.

After an indifferent game in midweek, Brendan Moore was given a vote of confidence by his manager as he kept his place between the sticks as Hill made three changes to the side that started against Wycombe. Sam Hart returned from injury whilst Olly Rathbone and Bradden Inman were also given the nod.

Dale had the first chance of the game when Joe Rafferty let fly from 20 yards out, Jed Steer in the Charlton goal making a low save to his right.

The only goal came early in the game, Dooley making his way into the area before passing to Henderson who made no mistake from inside the box, steering the ball into the bottom corner.

The visitors, whom Dale beat on the final day of last season to secure their league one status, almost hit straight back through the dangerous Lyle Taylor but the former AFC Wimbledon striker crashed his shot off the crossbar.

Lee Bowyer’s side had a glorious opportunity to level in the 19th minute. A freekick was lofted into the area where Moore came, but failed to gather the ball. As the loose ball fell back to Darren Pratley 16 yards out, Moore clattered into the defender with referee Andy Haines awarding a penalty. Taylor stepped up but saw his spot kick brilliantly saved by Moore.

Dale had half chances through Jordan Williams, Dooley and Inman but some brave defending and some wayward shooting saw the score remain at 1-0.

The early stages of the second half saw little in terms of goalmouth action; Charlton coming close in the 65th minute the first real opportunity of the second half/ Josh Cullen’s powerful shot was tipped against the upright by a full stretch Moore.

A minute later, Charlton did have the ball in the net, an assistant's flag ruling out the goal.

Steer had to be brave to deny Inman what looked a sure fire goal as the Australian was well picked out by Rafferty; Steer blocking at source Inman’s goalbound header.

Rochdale probably just about deserved their victory and will now look forward to the visit of Luton next Saturday.

Rochdale: Moore, Rafferty, McGahey, Delaney, Hart, Camps, Rathbone (Perkins 67), Dooley, Inman (Cannon 90+1), J Williams (Andrew 67), Henderson (c)
Subs: (not used) Lillis, MJ Williams, Clough, Done

Charlton: Steer, Dijksteel, Pearce (c), Pratley, Solly, Cullen, Bielik (Reeves 46), Aribo, Ward (Fosu-Henry 61), Taylor, Grant (Vetokele 76)
Subs: Phillips, Sarr, Ajose, Lapslie

Referee: Mr A Haines
Assistants: Mr W Grunnill & Mr H Karaivanov
Fourth Official: Mr P Newhouse

Attendance: 3,109 (483 from Charlton)