At the Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale delivered a decisive 5-1 victory against Hartlepool United, in a match overseen by referee Jamie O’Connor. The result, fuelled by Rochdale’s attacking prowess, left Hartlepool’s travelling supporters dismayed by their team’s defensive performance.
Rochdale’s early dominance was rewarded when Devante Rodney converted a penalty in the 5th minute, putting the home side ahead. Hartlepool responded swiftly; Nicky Featherstone, assisted by Luke Charman, found the net in the 11th minute, briefly silencing the Rochdale supporters. However, Rochdale quickly reasserted their control. Ian Henderson, assisted by Leon Ayinde, restored Rochdale’s lead in the 19th minute, and Ayinde himself extended the advantage to 3-1 in the 23rd minute before the interval.
At half-time, Hartlepool manager Anthony Limbrick sought to change the game’s trajectory, replacing Louis Stephenson with Jack Hunter. However, this tactical adjustment failed to produce the desired turnaround.
The second half continued in a similar vein to the first. In the 52nd minute, Devante Rodney scored his second goal, assisted by Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, further solidifying Rochdale’s command. Rochdale then made a series of substitutions, including Jay Bird replacing Rodney in the 73rd minute. Bird swiftly capitalised on this opportunity, scoring in the 85th minute, assisted by fellow substitute Jack Kingdon, completing the scoring. Hartlepool responded with their own substitutions, but were unable to alter the outcome.
Ethan Ebanks-Landell received a yellow card for Rochdale in the 46th minute.
This emphatic victory sees Rochdale consolidate their position in the National League, securing a play-off quarter-final place. They now sit in 4th place with 71 points from 44 games. Hartlepool, in contrast, will be disappointed with their performance, remaining in 12th position with 59 points from 45 games.