Sheffield United 1 : 0 Rochdale - Blades edge past Dale

Posted Sunday, September 14, 2014 by PA

Sheffield United stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to five games as they beat Rochdale 1-0 at Bramall Lane.

Jamal Campbell-Ryce's 86th-minute goal, which took a wicked deflection off Stephen Dawson, proved enough to hand all three points to Nigel Clough's side.

However, the visitors had earlier gone close when Ian Henderson struck the crossbar.

Despite gaining promotion last season, Rochdale appear more than comfortable at League One level and caused their opponents plenty of problems during an entertaining first half.

But despite seeing Mark Howard forced to divert Peter Vincenti's shot away from goal midway through the opening period, it was United who created the better chances with Jose Baxter a particular threat.

The former Everton and Oldham midfielder glanced aheader just wide after meeting Ben Davies' fifth-minute centre before giving Conrad Logan a scare from long range. Jamie Murphy also went close with a curling attempt as the match became increasingly stretched.

But it was Rochdale who made the brighter start to the second half as Matthew Done and Vincenti both tried their luck.

United, who saw Jamie Murphy limp off with an injury, wrestled back control when Chris Basham tested Logan's handling skills with a stooping header. The Rochdale goalkeeper showed good reflexes again when Neill Collins climbed highest to meet a corner.

Henderson, who impressed for Rochdale, struck the crossbar with a powerful shot on the turn.

Baxter, United's most impressive player, beat the wall but not Logan with a free-kick while substitute Marc McNulty blazed wastefully wide after seizing possession in midfield.

But Logan was powerless to stop Campbell-Ryce's cross flying into the back of his net during the closing stages.