Rochdale beat Boston to set up Newcastle clash

Posted Tuesday, December 17, 2019 by PA

Aaron Morley’s 79th-minute penalty earned Rochdale an FA Cup third round tie at home to Premier League side Newcastle as they edged out National League North outfit Boston 2-1.

The League One club made no mistake in the replay thanks to Morley, who slotted home after Boston’s Jay Rollins tripped sub Stephen Dooley.

Rochdale skipper Ian Henderson made quite an impact before limping off injured after just 11 minutes, sending in a fourth-minute cross that Boston goalkeeper Peter Crook misjudged and palmed into his own net.

The part-timers from Lincolnshire almost struck back swiftly, however, with Jonathan Wafula scooping an effort narrowly over the bar.

The plucky Pilgrims continued to press, and visiting goalkeeper Robert Sanchez had to make an agile stop to keep out Dominic Knowles’ thumping angled strike.

Just before the break, the woodwork saved Boston when Dale sub Rekeil Pyke drilled a low shot against a post.

Boston equalised four minutes after the restart, with Jordan Thewlis heading home following Knowles’ knock-down, seconds after Wafula’s 25-yard drive rattled the crossbar.

Matty Done almost flicked home a second for Dale, minutes before Morley’s clincher.