Grosvenor Vale played host to a goal-filled match as Rochdale defeated Wealdstone 3-1 in a lively encounter that ignited from the opening whistle.
Rochdale struck first in the 4th minute, Aidan Barlow scoring, assisted by Devante Rodney. This early goal set the stage for an open contest where both teams demonstrated attacking intentions. Wealdstone struggled to contain Rochdale’s forward line, and the visitors capitalised again in the 40th minute when Devante Rodney found the net, Harvey Gilmour providing the assist to extend Rochdale’s lead to 2-0.
The second half mirrored the first, with Rochdale quickly reasserting their dominance. In the 46th minute, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe scored, assisted by Kyron Gordon, further solidifying Rochdale’s advantage. Wealdstone, however, refused to concede defeat.
In the 76th minute, Alfie Massey scored for Wealdstone, offering a glimmer of hope to the home side. Despite the late goal, Rochdale remained steadfast, preventing Wealdstone from making any further progress. Rochdale comfortably saw out the remaining minutes, securing a 3-1 victory.
Referee Lee Swabey was kept busy throughout the match, issuing yellow cards to maintain order. Ethan Ebanks-Landell was cautioned in the 24th minute, followed by Emmanuel Dieseruvwe in the 30th minute, and Harvey Gilmour in the 60th minute. Wealdstone’s Omar Mussa was also booked in the 38th minute.
Wealdstone made a double substitution in the 65th minute, bringing on Daniel Nkrumah and Sean Jordan Adarkwa for Dominic Hutchinson and Micah Obiero, respectively. In the 71st minute, Dylan Kadji replaced Omar Mussa. Rochdale responded with their own changes, introducing Daniel Moss for Tarryn Allarakhia in the 70th minute. Later, in the 77th minute, Levi Amantchi and Casey Pettit replaced Devante Rodney and Harvey Gilmour, respectively. Wealdstone made a final substitution in the 81st minute, introducing Sakariya Hassan for Anthony Georgiou. Rochdale completed their substitutions in the 87th minute, bringing on David Tutonda for Emmanuel Dieseruvwe. At halftime, Connor McBride came on for Aidan Barlow.
This victory elevates Rochdale to the top of the National League standings with 15 points from six games. Their impressive goal difference of +9 reflects their strong start to the season. Wealdstone, on the other hand, now sit in 8th position with 9 points, highlighting the competitive nature of the league.