Rochdale 2 - 5 Sheffield United

Rochdale 2 - 5 Sheffield United

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Rochdale’s relegation to League 2 is all but confirmed after going down 5-2 to promotion chasing Sheffield United.

Jason Kennedy gave Coleman’s men a shock lead inside 3 minutes but 4 goals from the visitors before half-time all but ended the game as a contest. Obadeyi’s first for the club 20 minutes from time was only a consolation as Doyle had already made it 5-1.

The Dale boss was forced into one change with Kevin Long rules out through injury. Dean Holden replaced at centre back whilst Neill Byrne was given the nod at right back ahead of Marcus Holness. Temitope Obadeyi was preferred ahead of Nicky Adams.

With games running out, relegation looked a certainty even before this game against one of the best sides in the division. Results on Bank Holiday Monday meant Coleman’s men were rock bottom whilst the Blades needed a win to move back into the automatic promotion places.

With a sell out away following of 3,500 United fans, the atmosphere inside Spotland was electric but they were soon silenced when Jason Kennedy gave Dale the lead inside 3 minutes. Great work down the right by Akpa-Akpro saw him make space to cross and Kennedy headed home from inside the 6 yard box to give the home side an un-expected lead.

That lead only lasted 2 minutes as The Blades hit back. A long punt up-field by Simonson wasn’t dealt with by the Dale defence and McDonald was on hand to smash home a stunning volley from 25 yards.

The game was being played at a fast pace with both sides showing signs of attack. Obadeyi curled a shot just wide but minutes later, United were in front.

Blades leading scorer Ched Evans fired a low drive beyond Lucas for 2-1.

With barely time to settle, the visitors scored a 3rd. A break down the right ended with Lucas saving the initial shot which fell kindly to Williamson who tapped home.

Coleman’s men looked deflated and things got worse in first half stoppage time when Ched Evans scored his 34th of the season when his shot deflected off Amankwaah to make it 4-1.

The second half was all about damage limitation and with United happy to sit on their lead, Dale pushed forward. Andrew Tutte warmed the hands of Simonson with a stinging drive but the former Everton stopper was equal and pushed the ball away.

At the other end, Dave Lucas was set to be embarrassed. Visiting skipper Michael Doyle sent a speculative shot from 20 yards at Lucas who somehow allowed the ball to go through his hands when the save looked easy.

At 5-1 the Dale fans headed for the exits as the visiting fans called for a 6th goal.

Obadeyi netted a consolation for Dale in what appears his last game for the club after his loan spell from Bolton looks set to end.

The visitors could have extended their lead but full back Matt Lowton rattled the bar after good work from substitute Michael O’Halloran.

Anything but a victory for Dale against fellow strugglers Exeter on Saturday will see them relegated. Even a win against the Grecians could still see the side return to League 2 after just 2 years in the 3rd tier of English football.

Coleman spoke afterwards: “They have gone through in injury time and poked a shot at our keeper for their 6th shot on target, but the other 5 they scored; that’s an unbelievable record.

"It would be easy for me to hide behind the ‘it’s not my team’, but it is my team. If we go down then it will be my team that goes down, I’m not going to hide behind anything.

"When we came we tightened up the defence a lot, we conceded 3 in 7 games.

"We have lost Kevin Long and another defender in Phil Edwards to injury as well as the keeper (Peter Kurucz – on loan from West Ham) due to a horrendous challenge against Nott’s County.

"We also lost Stephen Darby through injury although he wasn’t one I brought in, he was one of the better players.

"The lads who played tonight tried their best but they (Sheffield United) were just too lively for them.

"If you look at the balance of the game, then hand on heart, we looked as good as them at times. In the second half I thought we were better than them.

"We have ended up drawing the second half 1-1 but they had already won the game by half-time.

"There were some outstanding performances out from our lads. The best player on that pitch for both sides was Andrew Tutte. Obadeyi did well as did Akpa-Akpro. Symes did ok and Kennedy looked good too.”

Att: 5309

Rochdale: Lucas, Widdowson, Holden, Amankwaah, Byrne, Obadeyi, Jones, Tutte, Kennedy, Symes, Akpa-Akpro

Subs (not used): Edwards, Thompson, Adams, Twaddle, McConville

Sheffield Utd: Simonson, Lowton, Doyle, Evans (O’Halloran 68), Williamson (Flynn 46), Collins, Creswell (Porter 64), Maguire, McDonald, Quinn, Hill

Subs (not used): Howard, Williams

Referee: Mr E Ilderton

Ass Referee: Mr M Griffiths

Mr J Hunt

4th Official: Mr M Denton