Rochdale AFC

Rochdale’s unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday with a 3-2 defeat away at Walsall.

The youngsters had been on an incredible run of form and had notched up 13 games without a defeat heading into the weekend’s encounter, but the woodwork and a disallowed goal saw that record come to an end.

Walsall took an early lead after netting with just five minutes on the clock and they held onto the one goal advantage until the interval. Jamie Allan fired home Dale’s equaliser on 50 minutes from 20 yards, but Chris Beech’s side found themselves a goal behind once more ten minutes later.

The home side netted their third of the day 70 minutes before Andy Cannon pulled one back for Dale five minutes before time from distance, however Walsall held out for the win.

Manager Chris Beech gave his thoughts after the match: “This was a tough away game on a fantastic pitch which allowed us to play some good football.

“We started very well establishing control of the game but conceded from Walsall’s first attack of the game. Flat footed defending and a flat footed goalkeeper led to their opening goal. This didn’t waver the rhythm of the game and our midfield controlled possession, however a lack of movement up front and indecision from our attackers meant we didn’t affect the score line from our football. We also hit the bar which meant we went into half time 1-0 down and had a goal disallowed almost immediately after the re-start.

“We got back on level terms through Jamie Allan but two breakaway goals saw Walsall re-establish their advantage and despite Andy Cannon hitting a thunderbolt, he couldn’t capitalise on our play to get a positive result.”

Rochdale: Ashley, Antoine-Clark, Spittle, O’Connor, Tanser, Allan, Cannon, Camps, Logan, Whitehall, Rabiu. Subs: Mukuna, Martin, Tuanzebe, Hill.

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