Football: Rochdale 1 - 0 Accrington

Ian Henderson scored the only goal of the game

Rochdale earned a narrow victory over neighbours Accrington Stanley as Ian Henderson netted the only goal of the game to take maximum points. The Dale captain headed in his 12th of the season just after the hour mark as Accrington manager John Coleman endured a miserable return to the club he once managed. Earlier Josh Lillis made a superb double save to keep out the visitors as Dale held on for victory.

After defeat at managerless Shrewsbury last time out, Keith Hill made three changes to his starting line-up. Josh Lillis was preferred in goal whilst Matt Done deputised for the suspended Sam Hart at left back. 17 year old Dan Adshead, fresh from his England U18 debut, was given the nod in midfield.

The game started in frenetic fashion with Lillis forced into a low save after just 20 seconds as Stanley kicked off. Dan Barlaser was allowed to run from the half-way line before unleashing a low shot that Lillis had to get down to turn behind for a corner.

Straight from the flag kick, Dale raced up the other end and when Adshead picked out Joe Rafferty, the full back sent a dangerous cross into the box; Stanley’s Mark Hughes sliding in to divert the ball wide of the near post for a Rochdale corner.

Dale were seeing plenty of the ball but it was the visitors who created the better chances. Nick Anderton and Jordan Clark hit shots wide whilst Billy Kee was denied by a double Josh Lillis save midway through the first period.

Neither keeper was really tested as both strike forces were handed mid term reports saying “must do better” until Henderson stepped up in the 63rd minute.

Matty Done’s perfect left wing corner was met by Henderson who powered his header past Connor Ripley from 6 yards out.

Coleman’s side never really looked like troubling the scoresheet as they made it 5 league games without a win whilst Keith Hill’s side are now 16th in League One, six points clear of the bottom four.

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, McGahey, Delaney, Done, Camps, Adshead (Perkins 77), Dooley, Henderson ©, J Williams (MJ Williams 90), Inman (Andrew 53)
Subs: (not used) Norman, McNulty, Rathbone, Wilbraham

Accrington: Ripley, Johnson (Mingoia 85), Hughes, Ihiekwe, Anderton, McConville, Barlaser, Conneely © (Finley 69), Clark, Kee, Zanzala (Hall 85)
Subs: (not used) Maxted, Richards-Everton, Sykes, Scott

Referee: Mr L Probert
Assistants: Mr D Robathan & Mr M McDonough
Fourth Official: Mr R Joyce

Attendance: 3,497 (640 from Accrington)