REPORT | Rochdale 2-1 Wealdstone

Wealdstone suffered a late defeat at the Crown Oil Arena as Rochdale struck twice in the final stages to overturn a deserved Stones lead.

With little riding on the result for the visitors, but everything at stake for a Rochdale side chasing the title, it was the Stones who produced a composed and disciplined performance for large periods, only to be denied at the death.

Rochdale started brightly, and an early scare saw Dante Baptiste unable to fully claim a corner, however it was too much of a stretch for Moss on the follow up who’s effort went wide. Rochdale continued to probe, with Mani Dieseruvwe forcing a comfortable save soon after.

However, the Stones quickly settled. Enjoying more sustained spells of possession as the half wore on, they began to dictate the tempo and looked increasingly assured on the ball. They forced several corners which were taken short and ultimately came to nothing.

Jack Cook surged forward from defence in the 29^th minute, linking with Enzio Boldewijn, whose curling effort may have been just sailing wide. Dominic Hutchinson looked to convert it goalwards but was unable to keep his header down before he was ruled to be offside.

Rochdale thought they had broken the deadlock after Baptiste spilled a set-piece delivery, but the referee intervened, awarding a foul on the Stones goalkeeper.

Chances remained limited in the closing stages of the first half, with Boldewijn doing well defensively to force Tobi Adebayo-Rowling wide before his effort hit the side-netting. At the break, it was a solid and encouraging display from the Stones.

Half-time: Rochdale 0-0 Wealdstone

Wealdstone carried their momentum into the second half and were rewarded just before the hour mark.

Jack Cook involved gain after he had stayed forward at a set-piece, combining smartly with Micah Obiero before squaring for Deon Woodman, who calmly slotted home to give the Stones a deserved lead.

Moments later, Jack Wells-Morrison nearly doubled the advantage, only to be denied by a strong save from Oliver Jackson Whatmuff.

Despite their control, the Stones were unable to extend their lead, and Rochdale began to apply pressure late on.

The equaliser arrived in the 77th minute against the run of play, as Ian Henderson met a clipped cross with a well-taken volley to level the scores.

There was further drama soon after when Rochdale had a second goal ruled out for offside, offering the Stones a brief reprieve. But with the hosts pushing forward, the pressure eventually told.

In the 89th minute, a direct ball forward caused problems in the Stones defence, falling to Luke Hannant, who fired home to complete the turnaround.

Wealdstone responded with urgency, throwing bodies forward in search of an equaliser. Connor McAvoy came closest in stoppage time, but Whatmuff produced a crucial save to preserve Rochdale’s lead.

Sean Adarkwa also had a late opportunity from a tight angle, but his effort sailed over before the final whistle confirmed a narrow defeat.

Full-Time: Rochdale 2-1 Wealdstone

The Stones will look to draw on the many positive aspects of the match when they return to action at The Vale on Tuesday night to face Boston Utd. Tickets available here.

Crown Oil Arena | Attendance: 3,021

Wealdstone: Baptiste, Cook (C), Woodman, Boldewijn, Kadji (Agyemang 75’), Obiero (Adarkwa 70’), Hutchinson (Georgiou 82’), Tshikuna (Nathaniel-George 70’), McAvoy, Wells-Morrison, Hinchy (Tiensia 82’)