Rochdale clinched a 2-1 victory against Altrincham in a closely fought match at the Crown Oil Arena, a result that sees them ascend to the top of the National League table. The match, overseen by referee William Davis, was a competitive affair with both teams demonstrating attacking ambition.
Altrincham took the lead in the 19th minute through Keaton Ward. Rochdale responded before half-time, with Tarryn Allarakhia, assisted by Ryan East, levelling the score in the 35th minute.
Rochdale increased the pressure in the second half. The decisive moment came in the 60th minute when Altrincham’s Tylor Golden scored an own goal, putting Rochdale ahead.
The match also saw a number of yellow cards issued. In the first half, James Gale was cautioned for Altrincham, followed by teammate Keaton Ward in the second. Rochdale’s Tom Crawford, Dan Sassi, and Samuel Reed were also booked late in the game, while Emmanuel Dieseruvwe received a yellow card for Rochdale in added time.
Both sides made substitutions in the second half in an attempt to alter the course of the match. In the 71st minute, Rochdale replaced Allarakhia with David Tutonda. This was followed by Joe Pritchard replacing Aidan Barlow in the 76th minute and Levi Amantchi coming on for Devante Rodney in the 85th. Casey Pettit then replaced Ryan East in the 86th minute. Altrincham’s substitutions included Oliver Crankshaw and Charlie Kirk replacing Keaton Ward and James Gale respectively in the 72nd minute, Lucas Weaver replacing Kahrel Reddin in the 76th, Matthew Kosylo replacing Isaac Marriott in the 79th, and Remi Raymond replacing Jimmy Knowles in the 93rd minute.
This victory puts Rochdale in first place with two wins from two games, giving them a total of six points. Altrincham, meanwhile, sit in eighth position with three points from their first two matches.