Solihull Moors were edged out at home by Rochdale in a closely fought National League match at the ARMCO Arena, the visitors claiming a 1-0 victory. Referee Melissa Burgin oversaw a game ultimately decided by Ian Henderson’s second-half goal, assisted by Aidan Barlow.
The first half was a cautious affair, with neither side able to penetrate the opposing defence. Solihull Moors made an early tactical substitution, bringing on Joseph Dodoo in place of Elliot Thorpe in the 24th minute. Rochdale’s Jack Kingdon received a yellow card in the 35th minute for a foul, indicative of the match’s physical nature, and Solihull Moors’ Alex Whitmore was also booked shortly before the break.
Both managers opted for changes at half-time in an attempt to energise their teams. Solihull Moors replaced Robbie Cundy with Bradley Stevenson, while Rochdale brought on Ian Henderson for Jay Bird, a substitution that would prove decisive.
Rochdale began the second half with greater intent, and their pressure paid off in the 53rd minute when Ian Henderson found the net to put the visitors ahead. Solihull Moors responded with substitutions of their own, Szhem Whyte-Hall replacing Joseph Dodoo, and later Manny Duku coming on for John Bostock, in an attempt to find an equaliser. Rochdale also made further changes: Tobi Adebayo-Rowling replaced Tarryn Allarakhia, Devante Rodney came on for Leon Ayinde, Ethan Ebanks-Landell replaced Kyle Ferguson, and Sam Beckwith came on for Jili Buyabu, as they sought to protect their lead and secure the win.
As time dwindled, the match became increasingly tense. Jamey Osborne and Kairo Mitchell both received yellow cards in the 80th minute. Solihull Moors made a final substitution, introducing Joss Labadie for Tahvon Campbell, but Rochdale remained resolute, securing all three points.
The result sees Rochdale strengthen their position in the play-off quarter-final spot, sitting comfortably in 4th. Solihull Moors, meanwhile, find themselves in 14th position with 57 points.