York City produced a dominant performance to secure a resounding 4-0 victory over Rochdale at the Crown Oil Arena. After a cagey opening, the visitors broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Ollie Pearce, assisted by Joe Felix, found the back of the net. This early breakthrough set the stage for a difficult afternoon for the home side.
York City maintained their control throughout the match, and their advantage was amplified with a second-half surge. In the 62nd minute, Lewis Richardson doubled the lead, with Pearce returning the favour by providing the assist. The introduction of Dipo Akinyemi in the 67th minute proved pivotal. Just seven minutes later, his impact was felt as he assisted Pearce for the striker’s second goal of the game. Akinyemi continued to torment the Rochdale defence, setting up Ryan Fallowfield for York’s fourth and final goal in the 75th minute, completing a clinical attacking display.
Rochdale struggled to establish any consistent attacking threat, and their attempts to mount a comeback were thwarted by a resolute York City defence. A number of substitutions, including a change between the sticks for Rochdale, failed to alter the course of the match. York also made changes, withdrawing key players such as Pearce and Felix, seemingly with a view to managing their workload for upcoming fixtures. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive victory for the visitors, leaving Rochdale to reflect on a disappointing performance.
The flurry of late goals and substitutions contributed to a frenetic final half-hour, highlighting both York’s ruthlessness in front of goal and Rochdale’s growing desperation. While York City’s attacking prowess undoubtedly caught the eye, their defensive solidity was equally important in ensuring a clean sheet.
Entering this fixture, York City occupied second place in the National League, while Rochdale sat in 7th. Recent history between the two sides had been relatively even, with one win each and a draw in their previous three encounters. However, York’s emphatic victory clearly underlined the current disparity in form.