By Paul Rooney
Smith 82
ROCHDALE 1
Tyler Smith’s goal eight minutes from time was enough to see off Boston United and preserve Rochdale’s two-point lead at the top of the table.
Smith’s timely strike kept Dale at the summit – and inflicted resurgent Boston’s first defeat in nine games – with York waiting in the wings to resume the advantage they’d lost in midweek.
And boss Jimmy McNulty is proud of how his side keeps coming up with the answers.
McNulty enthused: “That was an excellent performance. I thought we had total control against a team that was really difficult to break down.
Real quality
“We were ready for this game, but not ready for Boston to play that shape, and we had to adapt.
“The opposition had one shot in the entire game and it was a brilliant save from Ollie. It would have been a travesty if we hadn’t won.
“The winner came from a moment of real quality. It’s been an outstanding effort from the team, playing 14 games in nine weeks and remaining unbeaten.
“We’ve only dropped points in three of those games. I’m so happy that they’ve now got seven days to breathe before the next game.”
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Match action
For most of the contest, it looked as though the Pilgrims’ resolute defence would frustrate Dale.
Man of the match Tarryn Allarakhia was a constant threat and Mani Dieseruvwe and Kyron Gordon should both have taken advantage from many of his teasing crosses, while Dan Cameron in the Boston goal was, in the main, well protected and saved comfortably when called into action.
And it continued to be one-way traffic towards the Boston goal after the restart as Aidan Barlow had a shot deflected wide, Dan Moss headed over and Casey Pettit fired wide when well placed.
But then with time running out and just as it seemed that Rochdale were going to drop points in the title chase, another substitute, Ian Henderson, crossed into the Pilgrims’ box, Dan Moss headed back across goal and Smith, the smallest player on the field, was there to nod in the winner much to the relief and delight of the Dale fans.
Boston didn’t lose heart and should have spoiled the Dale party two minutes later when Tom Cursons sprung the offside trap and forced Oliver Whatmuff into a magnificent save with his feet – his only save of the game – and with it went Boston’s last chance of grabbing a point.
Game-plan
“We had the clearest chance of the game,” Boston boss Paul Hurst said. “People might look at the possession stats and all of their pressure, but that was all part of our game-plan.
“If we had opened up today, with how Rochdale are, they could have scored more goals.
“We were up against a very good team. So the lads can be proud of their efforts, but we don’t ever want to settle for defeat.”
Teams, ratings and more
Star Man: Tarryn Allarakhia (Rochdale)
Attendance: 3,296
Entertainment: ★★★★
Referee: Zak Kennard-Kettle
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