Rochdale secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Altrincham at the J. Davidson Stadium, in a hard-fought National League match officiated by Neil Hair. The late goal ensured Rochdale claimed all three points in a dramatic finish.
The first half saw an early tactical adjustment for Altrincham, with George Wilson entering the fray in the 24th minute, replacing Tom Crawford. Rochdale took the lead in the 20th minute when Sam Beckwith found the net, courtesy of an assist from Aidan Barlow. Altrincham’s George Wilson received a yellow card in the 27th minute. Beckwith was also shown a yellow card in the 48th minute, as Rochdale maintained their one-goal advantage into the break.
Rochdale introduced Charlie Weston for Corey Edwards at the start of the second half. Altrincham responded in the 58th minute, with Isaac Marriott equalising, assisted by Matthew Kosylo. Kosylo then received a yellow card in the 69th minute. A flurry of substitutions followed soon after: Elliot Osborne replaced Callum Dolan for Altrincham in the 67th minute, and a minute later, Rochdale brought on Kairo Mitchell in place of Ian Henderson. Altrincham then replaced Matthew Kosylo with Kahrel Reddin in the 71st minute.
As the match neared its conclusion, both sides pressed for a decisive goal. Rochdale made a double substitution in the 85th minute, with Jack Kingdon replacing goalscorer Sam Beckwith and Finlay Armstrong coming on for Tarryn Allarakhia. Altrincham responded in the 88th minute with Jake Bickerstaff replacing Isaac Marriott. In the 89th minute, Devante Rodney, assisted by Harvey Gilmour, scored to put Rochdale ahead.
In added time, Rochdale’s Jack Kingdon received a yellow card in the 94th minute. Kyle Ferguson replaced Devante Rodney in the 92nd minute for Rochdale.
The victory sees Rochdale move to 5th in the National League, with 67 points from 42 games. Altrincham remain in 9th place with 60 points.