Rochdale keep survival hope alive with win against Walsall

Posted Saturday, April 08, 2023 by PA

Rock-bottom Rochdale made it back-to-back wins for the first time since October as they beat Walsall 4-2.

Two wins in as many games under caretaker boss Jim McNulty has moved the club within six points of safety with six games to play in League Two.

The visitors took the lead after 23 minutes when Jamille Matt prodded home Brandon Comley’s flick on at the back post.

But Dale levelled three minutes before half-time when Max Taylor’s shot was diverted past Owen Evans by Ian Henderson.

And they went ahead two minutes later as Abraham Odoh crashed a shot against the crossbar and Danny Lloyd converted.

The Saddlers equalised early in the second half after Rochdale gave possession away cheaply in the opposition half and Knowles raced through to score.

Four minutes later Matt had a header ruled offside and Rochdale capitalised on the let off, Ethan Brierley opening up the visitors’ defence to send Max Taylor in on goal and the defender sending a stunning strike into the top corner.

Brierley made it 4-2 when Evans’ hashed clearance dropped to him just inside the Walsall half and though the goalkeeper got two hands to the attempt, the assistant referee ruled the ball had crossed the line.