Sutton United snatched a late victory against Rochdale at the VBS Community Stadium in a match characterised by tactical substitutions and a tightly contested midfield battle. Referee Matthew Russell oversaw the encounter, which was ultimately decided by an own goal in the closing stages.
The first half proved to be a cautious affair, with neither side able to find a breakthrough. At half-time, both managers, Steve Morison of Sutton and Jimmy McNulty of Rochdale, sought to influence the game with substitutions. Morison replaced Alex Woodyard with Siju Odelusi, a straight midfield swap, while McNulty introduced Ethan Ebanks-Landell for Liam Hogan in defence, changes that suggested both teams were prioritising control in midfield and defensive stability, respectively.
Rochdale made a further alteration in the 56th minute, bringing on Tarryn Allarakhia for Michael Adu-Poku, a midfielder replacing a defender, perhaps in an effort to unlock more creativity in the final third. Sutton responded in the 67th minute, with Vinnie Tume replacing Kain Adom, a defender making way for a striker, indicating a desire for increased attacking threat. Rochdale then introduced Ian Henderson for Aidan Barlow in the 71st minute, a forward for striker substitution, in the hope that the experienced striker could provide the decisive moment. The stream of substitutions continued in the 81st minute when Devante Rodney was replaced by Leon Ayinde, a midfielder for striker change.
The decisive moment came in the 87th minute when Kyron Gordon inadvertently scored an own goal, giving Sutton United a 1-0 lead. Sutton then brought on Eduino Vaz for Nana Boateng in the 89th minute, a defender for striker substitution, in an attempt to secure the victory.
The match concluded with Sutton United claiming a 1-0 victory. The win moves Sutton up the table from 14th to 12th, providing a welcome boost in their bid to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Rochdale, despite the narrow defeat, remain in 7th position and in contention for a playoff spot.