Rochdale 1 - 0 Chesterfield

Rochdale ended a run of four games without a win with a narrow victory over Chesterfield. Ian Henderson steering home Michael Rose’s second half free-kick beyond Chesterfield goalkeeper Tommy Lee to earn the points.

Despite saying in the build up that youngster Nyal Bell would start, the Dale boss opted for three changes to his starting 11 with Bell on the bench. Tom Kennedy signed a new deal after his short term contract expired last month and went straight into the left back berth. Michael Rose was utilised as a defensive midfielder whilst Joel Logan made his first league start of the season.

The first half, played in some awful wintery weather, was somewhat of a none event with Dale having the best chance when Peter Vincenti headed a Tom Kennedy cross over from seven yards out.

At the other end, Gary Roberts headed weakly at Josh Lillis when he perhaps should have done better.

Dale’s flow was disrupted when they had to make an early substitution with skipper Olly Lancashire limping off to be replaced by Ashley Eastham whilst Stephen Dawson didn’t re-appear for the second half due to injury, Bastien Hery coming on.

Lillis had his hands warmed on a freezing cold afternoon by Olly Banks’ powerful volley.

Former Dale keeper Tommy Lee denied Joe Bunney when through one-on-one.

The only goal of the afternoon came on 65 minutes. Michael Rose’s driven right wing freekick was turned home from inside the area by Henderson for his 13th goal of the season.

Neither side really troubled each other again until deep into stoppage time when Chesterfield substitute Caolan Lavery forced a fine save from Lillis with a left footed shot.

It was a welcome three points for Dale which halts their slide down the table and will give them confidence heading into the game against promotion hopefuls Sheffield United on Tuesday evening when Matty Done will return to Spotland after his transfer deadline day move to Bramall Lane.

Attendance: 2,967

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, Lancashire (c) (Eastham 12), O’Connell, Kennedy, Rose, Dawson (Hery 46), Logan, Vincenti, Henderson, Bunney
Subs: (not used) Brandy, Noble-Lazarus, Diba, Bell

Chesterfield: Lee, Darikwa, Hird, Carter, Clucas, Morsy (c), Ryan, Banks (Duffy 83), Roberts (Lavery 75), Ariyibi (Lavery 67), Gnanduillet
Subs: (not used) Humphries, Daglan, Harrison, Chapman

Referee: Mr D Coote
Assistant Referees: Mr W Barratt & Mr G Hart
Fourth official: Mr P Hodskinson