FA Cup Second Round: Rotherham 1 - 2 Rochdale

Rotherham 1 - 2 Rochdale

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Rochdale booked their place in the third round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2005 after coming from behind to beat 10 man Rotherham. Lee Frecklington gave Rotherham an early lead when he capitalised on a defensive mistake but second half goals from Matty Lund and Peter Vincenti sealed Dale’s inclusion in the thrid round draw.

Defensive duo Olly Lancashire and Jack O’Connell were given starts by Keith Hill after missing last weekend's trip to York through suspension whilst the absence of Graham Cummins due to his loan move from Preston meant Gary Dicker started.

Dale went behind in the opening five minutes when a defensive mix up between Rose and Lancashire allowed Frecklington in and he made no mistake from 18 yards.

Lancashire was having a torrid time of things and after being booked for a late challenge could easily have been sent for another early bath on 13 minutes.

A short throw out by goalkeeper Josh Lillis put Lancashire under pressure and when Agard nicked the ball the Dale man almost hauled the striker down. Instead Agard wriggled free but was denied by Lillis.

Agard was a thorn in the Dale side and when an assitant referee failed to spot he was offside, the striker headed for goal but a combination of Lillis and O’Connell halted his progress.

That opening 21 minutes was enough for Hill to decide a change in personnel was required with Lancashire being replaced by Vincenti. The change stemmed the Rotherham flow as the remainder of the first half passed without incident.

Dale started the second half much brighter and should have got on the score sheet twice within six minutes of the restart.

Hogan was picked out by Henderson but the striker couldn’t beat Collin when one-on-one and when Hogan beat the offside trap he shot wide from close range.

A goal for Dale seemed likely and 11 minutes into the second half, they were back on terms. A quickly taken free-kick was picked up by Rose and his dangerous ball into the area was turned in by Lund.

Chances came for both sides after that; Agard forced a smart save from Lillis whilst Rose’ shot from outside the area was parried.

Jack O’Connell warmed the hands of Collin with a 35 yard pile driver that the keeper gathered at the second time of asking.

The game swung in favour of Rochdale on 73 minutes when Michael Tidser saw a second yellow card for a late challenge on Lund leaving Rotherham a man short and Dale made the most of their man advantage 10 minutes later.

Joe Bunney’s marvellous turn and cross found Vincenti who stole a yard on his marker to fire home the winner.

It was a goal that sent the 497 Dale fans into raptures and sent Rochdale into the third round for the first time since Charlton away in 2005.

The draw will be made at about 4:10pm (ITV1) on Sunday 8 December. Rochdale will be ball number 54.

Attendance: 4957 (497 from Rochdale)

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, Lancahsire (c)(Vincenti 22) Eastham, O’Connell, Bennett, Rose, Done (Bunney 78), Henderson, Dicker, Lund, Hogan (Allen 86)
Subs: (not used) Cavanagh, Thomson, Rafferty, Tutte

Rotherham: Collin, Brindley (Davis 76), Arnason, Morgan (c), Skarz, Bradley, Tidser,Frecklington, Pringle, Agard, Revell
Subs: (not used) Shearer, Worrall, Rowe

Referee: Mr G Scott
Assistant Referees: Mr B Cropp & Mr R Atkin
Fourth Official: Mr R Johnson