Stanton could be available for Chester clash

Photo: Jon Coluccio

Nathan Stanton was part of a Dale backline that kept a clean sheet for only the third time this season.

Rochdale defender Nathan Stanton could be available for tomorrow night's league two game at Chester after the club appealed the red card he received in Saturday's win over Aldershot.

Stanton was sent off late in the second half after he was adjudged to have tripped Marvin Morgan as he burst into the Rochdale penalty area. Aldershot were awarded a penalty and the referee showed Stanton a red card, ruling that he was the last defender.

Replays later showed that the foul was outside the box and that Dale appeared to have covering defenders in positon to tackle Morgan before he got through on goal.

Sources at the football club revealed that the red card would be appealed, believing that there was a strong case that Stanton's challenge did not deny a clear goalscoring opportunity, with midfielder Ciaran Toner well placed to make a tackle.