Aldershot Town 4-2 Rochdale

Rochdale's dismal run of form continued at lowly Aldershot Town when for the 3rd game in succession, Coleman’s men conceded 3 before half time.

The Dale boss has openly admitted his defence isn’t good enough at the moment and opted to change things around at the back with Ryan Edwards dropping to the bench. Matt Pearson was preferred at right back and Phil Edwards was played in the centre alongside Rhys Bennett. Kevin McIntyre returned after missing last week through suspension. Upfront, Terry Gornell was suspended whilst Bobby Grant missed out through injury meaning Ashley Grimes & Dele Adebola returned to the starting line-up.

Conceding early has been a problem for Dale in recent weeks and yet again poor defending meant an early goal once again. Danny Rose’ teasing cross was met by Dani Lopez who headed beyond Lillis.

Instead of letting their heads drop, Dale lifted their game and were back on terms within 5 minutes. Ashley Grimes curling a wonderful effort from 20 yards for his 5th of the season.

Roused by the leveler, Coleman’s men pushed forward looking to take the lead in a game for the first time in 4 matches. Andrew Tutte tried from distance but his shot was wide.

Lillis made a superb save to deny Lopez his second of the afternoon after good work from Rose.

The home side were looking the more dangerous and took the lead 6 minutes before the break. Hylton’s driving ball into the box found Vincenti who was on hand to turn the ball home for 2-1.

Dale looked deflated and soon they were 3-1 down after Rhys Bennett’s clumsy challenge on Morris ended with referee Graham pointing to the spot, Danny Rose stepped up to send Lillis the wrong way.

Coleman hauled off Bennett at the re-start with Ryan Edwards coming on in his place.

Dale pressed to get back in the game with Phil Edwards denied by Ben Herd when the Dale defender saw his header blocked on the line.

The game turned once again as Coleman’s side got back to within a goal of their hosts when Grimes got on the end of an Adebola flick to sweep home his second.

Dale started to turn the screw in an attempt to get back in the game. Tutte & Pearson but decent balls into the box but nobody in a yellow shirt could capitalize. George Donnelly did well inside the area to make space but Adebola couldn’t connect with the through ball.

With Rochdale committing men forward, it was the Shots who sealed the game in stoppage time. A counter attacking move left Dale short at the back allowing Reid to net his 8th of the season and condemning the visitors to another defeat.

With the busy Christmas period about to start the games come thick and fast for Coleman’s men who need a reaction against high flying Cheltenham Town at Spotland on Friday evening if they are to emerge in the New Year as playoff hopefuls.



Attendance: 1910

Rochdale: Lillis, Pearson, P Edwards, Bennett (R Edwards 46), McIntyre, Cavanaugh (Putterill 70), Tutte, Kennedy, Grimes, Adebola, Donnelly (Craney 80)
Subs: (not used) Rafferty, Barry-Murphy, Logan, Smith

Aldershot: Young, Herd, Tonkin, Morris, Brown, Vincenti (Reid 74), Hector, Cadogan, Rose, Hylton (Bergvrst 87), Lopez (Sinclair 75)
Subs: (not used) Morris, Mekki, Roberts, Webbe

Referee: F Graham
Assistant referee: S Daly & A Gillet
4th Official: J Scott