A double from Ian Henderson and a first ever Dale goal for Jack O’Connell saw Rochdale secure their second away win of the week with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Yeovil Town on Saturday.
O’Connell headed home from a Michael Rose corner after just six minutes, before Ian Henderson struck beyond Artur Krysiak ten minutes later. Henderson rounded off proceedings eight minutes after the break.
There was one enforced change to the eleven who lined up against Swindon Town midweek due to the injury sustained by Peter Vincenti in the win at the County Ground. With the Jerseyman side lined for the fixture at Huish Park, Rose was handed a start.
Dale went into the match on the back of Tuesday night’s excellent win and they started the game in Somerset with the same hunger as they had shown during the week. Rose was provider on two occasions against the Robins and he was on hand again to deliver the corner ball which lead to Rochdale’s opener with just six minutes on the clock.
Keith Hill’s side earned the set piece after hitting the home side on the break after Conrad Logan denied Kevin Dawson with a quick reaction save. Rose’s corner was whipped into the area and met by Jack O’Connell, who powered a header beyond Artur Krysiak to open the scoring.
GOAL: YEOVIL TOWN 0-1 ROCHDALE (O’Connell, 6 minutes)
As the half progressed, the Glovers failed to cause many problems were limited to efforts from distance, however, they had an excellent opportunity to level the game in the 13th minute. Liam Davis sent a ball into the area for Jordy Hiwula, who struck an effort from six yards. Logan blocked the strike, before Rose cleared the danger.
Three minutes later and Dale doubled their advantage through Ian Henderson. He initially linked up with Rose after a throw for a one/ two, before Rose sent a cross into the area. Ryan Inniss headed his clearance as far as Henderson, who slotted beyond the ‘keeper from six yards.
GOAL: YEOVIL TOWN 0-2 ROCHDALE (Henderson, 16 minutes)
Shortly before the half hour mark Krysiak pulled off an excellent save to deny Henderson, who curled an effort towards the top corner. It looked headed for the back of the net, but was tipped away by the outstretching ‘keeper.
In the 33rd minute, Dale had another opportunity in front of goal, however, the in-running Done was unable to make an connection with a dangerous ball to the back post from Dawson, who had powered down the right hand side of play.
Seven minutes later and the home side had their best chance of the match, but were denied by the excellent Logan. Simon Gillet had delivered a ball into a busy box, which was met by the head of Hiwula. It was a powerful headed effort, kept out only by a superb save from the ‘keeper, before being hooked away by Jack O’Connell.
Shortly before the interval, Stephen Dawson had an opportunity to extend Dale’s lead further as he was picked out by Lund just inside the area. He had time to line up his shot, but could only look on as his effort went narrowly wide of the upright.
HT: YEOVIL TOWN 0-2 ROCHDALE
There were no changes for Dale at the interval.
The home side started the second half brightly, but it was Dale who were again asking the majority of the questions, before netting the third of the afternoon with 53 minutes on the clock.
Done sent a ball to the back post, which was headed home by Henderson.
GOAL: YEOVIL TOWN 0-2 ROCHDALE (Henderson, 53 minutes)
On the hour mark, Rochdale had the ball in the back of the net for a fourth time, however Hendo was denied a hattrick as the linesman flagged for offside.
Four minutes later Henderson got on the end of a Done cross into the back post, but could only send the bouncing ball over the bar.
In the dying minutes of the match the home side went in search of a consolation, but despite all their huffing and puffing, they were unable to find a way past the strong Dale defence, with their most notably opportunity coming in the 89th minute when Joseph Edwards attempted to chip Logan. The ‘keeper rose high to collect to keep his fifth clean sheet since moving to Spotland on loan from Leicester City.
FT: YEOVIL TOWN 0-3 ROCHDALE