Rochdale 0 - 0 Forest Green Rovers

Date published: 26 August 2024

Dale were left frustrated as they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Forest Green on Saturday 24 August.

Despite a largely dominant performance, Dale were unable to break down a stubborn Forest Green side at the Crown Oil Arena.

Jimmy McNulty made one change to the starting eleven from midweek with Sam Beckwith coming in for Finlay Armstrong who dropped to the bench.

Six minutes in and it was the visitors who created the first opening when Charlie McCann’s well hit strike flew over the crossbar.

Ben Tozer then had a deflected effort which dipped narrowly over and out for a corner.

Dale created a brilliant passing move on 12 minutes when Devante Rodney slotted through Tobi Adebayo-Rowling who’s low driven cross was met by Connor McBride, but his shot was diverted wide by a defender.

McBride was then played in down the left moments later but his cross-shot attempt was blocked towards the goal line.

And the Dale forward was then picked out from Ryan East’s corner but he couldn’t get enough purchase on his header as it drifted wide.

Rovers thought they were in for an opener when they nabbed possession and the ball was played in for Tom Knowles who’s shot was excellently saved by Luke McNicholas, however the linesman’s flag on the near side was raised.

Tarryn Allarakhia looked lively down the left as he sized up a free-kick around 22 yards from goal but his try towards the far post was gathered.

Forest Green had the final chance of the first half when Kyle McAllister clipped a ball in for Christian Doidge but his flicked header drifted wide.

Dale started the second half on the front foot when Ryan East and Harvey Gilmour linked up on the edge of the area, Gilmour’s eventual attempt with his left was held by Jed Ward.

Three minutes later, Adam May picked out Doidge in the middle at the other end, the onrushing forward denied by McNicholas.

Both Aaron Henry, off the bench, and East had powerful attempts within a minute of each other, both narrowly flying over the Forest Green goal.

Dale almost grabbed the lead when Allarakhia found space down the left and his deep cross picked out Adebayo-Rowling whose cut back was cleared to safety just in front of Kairo Mitchell.

Jake Burger entered the field and created an opening with eight minutes remaining, the 19-year-old beating a defender but unfortunate to drag his left footed effort which was saved.

It was Rovers who had the last opportunity of the game, McNicholas punched away a set piece which fell invitingly for Liam Sercombe, his strike was brilliantly saved and bravely held from Doidge closing in.