Rochdale vs Cheltenham Town. Sky Bet League Two.
Spotland StadiumAttendance2,311.
Tuesday 18 August 2009 22:50, UK
Cheltenham landed a last-minute sucker punch to beat Rochdale 1-0 in a close encounter at Spotland.
Cheltenham landed a last-minute sucker punch to beat Rochdale 1-0 in a close encounter at Spotland. The hosts had dominated the second half but were unable to break down Martin Allen's resolute team and in the last minute Julian Alsop seized on Barry Hayles' pass to fire past Kenny Arthur. Defender Craig Dawson had the ball in Cheltenham's net midway through the first half only to be flagged offside. Rochdale should have taken the lead after 32 minutes when patient build up led to Adam Rundle crossing for Chris Dagnall but the striker blazed a gilt-edged chance over the crossbar from close range. The hosts were almost made to pay for that wasted chance before the break when David Bird picked out Justin Richards with a crossfield pass. Richards rode the incoming challenge from Matt Flynn before sending the ball wide of Arthur only to see his shot hit the post.
