Rochdale 2 -1 Carlisle

Date published: 01 August 2024

An impressive performance from Dale secured a 2-1 pre-season win over League Two side Carlisle United at the Crown Oil Arena on Saturday.

Two goals either side of half-time, from Kairo Mitchell and Aaron Henry, put Dale in a commanding position. Daniel Butterworth pulled one back for the visitors, but Jimmy McNulty’s men secured a deserved win.

Dale had the first opportunity of the match five minutes in when Mitchell received the ball on the edge of the area, but his shot on the turn was straight at the visiting goalkeeper.

Carlisle had their first attack a few moments later as Harrison Neal picked up on a loose ball. However, his first-time effort drifted just wide of Luke McNicholas’ far post.

Dale came agonisingly close to taking the lead when Tarryn Allarakhia played a ball over the top for Devante Rodney to latch onto. The forward’s effort came back off the near post and away.

The visitors had a couple of chances in the 38th minute as Aaron Hayden fired an effort over the bar before Jon Mellish kept the ball well and got a strong shot off which was held well by Luke McNicholas in the Dale goal.

Just three minutes before the break, Dale took a deserved lead. Rodney did well to flick a ball over for Harvey Gilmour who was in plenty of space to pick out Mitchell at the back post, who converted his first of 2024/25.

And four minutes after the break, Dale doubled their lead. Aaron Henry got his first for the club as he hit a wonderful free-kick which dipped over the wall and into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

Dale’s tails were up and they nearly notched a third when Sam Beckwith picked out Mitchell, who attempted to lob Harry Lewis, but his lofted shot was caught well.

Mitchell had another shot on the turn blocked in front of goal before substitute Ryan East also had an effort diverted away.

72 minutes in and against the run of play, Carlisle halved the deficit. Butterworth kept the ball well and cut onto his right foot, striking a powerful shot that clipped the inside of the post and went in.

The last attempt came as Aidan Barlow threaded a ball through for Trialist B who hit one first time which was repelled by sub goalkeeper Gabriel Breeze, who had to get down low.