Football - Rochdale 2 - 1 Gateshead

Ian Henderson netted his 100th goal for Rochdale to earn a passage through to the second round of the Emirates FA Cup but Dale were made to work for it against National League side Gateshead.

Dale edged in front in fortuitous circumstances when Jordan Williams’ driven ball across goal was turned into the Gateshead net by defender Jon Mellish. Henderson got his landmark goal just sixty seconds later after Bradden Inman picked him out 7 yards from goal to slot into the empty net. The visitors rallied after the break and got a stroke of luck of their own when Mellish’ shot squirmed through the hands of Brendan Moore and over the line. The non-league outfit created chances to take the game to a replay, but Keith Hill’s side stood firm.

After making eleven changes for the midweek EFL Trophy game, Keith Hill reverted back to the same starting line-up that drew with Luton Town here seven days ago. 17-year-old Dan Adshead took his place on the bench to help him celebrate being called up to England U18’s for their upcoming tournament in Spain.

The visitors managed by former Newcastle and Everton striker Steve Watson, came into the game looking to arrest a run of two straight defeats in their league campaign and started the game well. Midfielder Jack Hunter almost embarrassed Moore when his speculative shot was spilled by Moore whilst just moments later, Luke Armstrong volleyed just wide with Moore seemingly beaten.

Dale took the lead shortly after when Henderson’s persistence saw the captain win the ball inside the area. His shot from a very acute angle, was blocked and when the ball fell to Williams, the former Barrow man drilled a ball across goal that was turned in by Mellish from close range.

Within a minute, 1-0 became 2-0 with Henderson slotting in his 100th goal for Rochdale AFC. Sam Hart’s perfect through ball to Inman saw the Australian in acres of space down the left for him to pick out Henderson for an easy finish with the captain announcing to his teammates that he and his girlfriend are expecting their first child with his ball up the shirt celebration.

Moore almost gifted the visitors a way back into the game when a poor pass out found Armstrong but the Middlesbrough loanee saw his shot saved by the legs of the relieved goalkeeper.

One or two decisions weren’t going Rochdale’s way and when Sam Hart was seemingly fouled during a Dale attack, the referee waved away any claims of a penalty with Gateshead breaking away. As the home fans booed, Scott Boden dropped his shoulder 18 yards out; his curling effort flashing just wide.

The home side, two goals up, needed a professional second half performance but Moore handed a Gateshead a lifeline four minutes into the second half. Neat build up play saw Mellish through and despite his shot lacking real power, it slipped through the hands of the keeper and into the net.

That goal rocked Dale and handed the initiative to Watson’s side. Greg Olley was unlucky to see his lobbed shot go over the crossbar having beaten the onrushing Moore whilst substitute Steve Rigg curled agonisingly wide of the far post as Rochdale just about did enough to secure their place in round two.

 

Rochdale: Moore, Rafferty, McGahey, Delaney, Hart, Camps, Dooley, Done (Andrew 55), Henderson ©, Inman (Clough 89), J Williams (Perkins 75)
Subs: (not used) Lillis, MJ Williams, Wilbraham, Adshead

Gateshead: Pears, Williamson, Kerr, Mellish, Tinkler, Barrow ©, Hunter (Molyneux 70), White, Olley, Armstrong, Boden (Rigg 73)
Subs: (not used) Foden, Thompson, O’Donnell, Forbes, Devitt

Referee: Mr P Wright
Assistants: Mr G Hilton & Mr E Swallow
Fourth Official: Mr M Parry

Attendance: 2,415 (275 from Gateshead)