Heartbreak for Yeovil Town at Huish Park as a 91st-minute goal from Rochdale substitute Connor McBride snatched all three points in a tense National League encounter. The 1-0 victory for the visitors leaves Yeovil in 15th place, while Rochdale climb to seventh.
A cagey first half saw few clear-cut chances for either side. The only real action of note was a yellow card for Rochdale’s Tarryn Allarakhia in the 43rd minute. Rochdale had been forced into an early change when defender Ethan Ebanks-Landell was replaced by Kyle Ferguson in the ninth minute due to what appeared to be an injury.
The second half began with a double substitution for Rochdale as manager Jimmy McNulty looked to inject some life into his side’s attack. Tobi Adebayo-Rowling and goalscorer Connor McBride replaced Ebanks-Landell’s replacement, Kyle Ferguson, and Allarakhia. Yeovil manager Mark Cooper, meanwhile, kept faith with his starting eleven initially.
Just past the hour mark, Cooper introduced Harvey Greenslade and Samuel Pearson in an attempt to break the deadlock. Rochdale responded with the introduction of veteran striker Ian Henderson. As the game entered its final stages, both sides continued to shuffle their packs. Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and Finn Cousin-Dawson came on for Yeovil, while Devante Rodney replaced Abraham Odoh for Rochdale.
Despite the raft of changes, the game appeared to be heading for a goalless draw. However, deep into injury time, Rochdale finally broke the deadlock. A well-worked move culminated in Kyron Gordon providing the assist for McBride, who calmly slotted the ball home, sparking wild celebrations amongst the travelling supporters.
The drama continued in the aftermath of the goal. A coming together between Aaron Jarvis and Kyle Ferguson resulted in yellow cards for both players. Moments later, Yeovil’s Sam Beckwith also received a caution for a late challenge as frustrations boiled over. The late winner, after three seasons without a league meeting between the two sides, will undoubtedly be a talking point for some time to come.