Rochdale 0 : 2 Fleetwood Town - Cod Army see off Dale

Posted Monday, December 29, 2014 by PA

Fleetwood picked up their first win in six games as first-half goals from Mark Roberts and Josh Morris handed them a 2-0 victory at Rochdale.

Chris Maxwell blocked Rochdale striker Matt Done's effort in the opening seconds of the game but Fleetwood were quick to exert control and took the lead in the 17th minute when Roberts climbed highest at the back post to head in Stephen Dobbie's free-kick.

Dobbie was a whisker away from adding a second as the visitors kept up the pressure and they eventually doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Jeff Hughes' low delivery from the right towards the penalty spot was seized upon by Morris, who slid a neat finish wide of Lillis.

Maxwell saved well to prevent Ian Henderson reducing the deficit just before the break and in the 52nd minute Dale had a great opportunity when Conor McLaughlin was penalised for a foul on Oli Lancashire and referee Robert Madley awarded a penalty.

However, Henderson smashed his spot kick against the underside of the crossbar and Fleetwood scrambled the rebound clear.

Josh Lillis prevented Fleetwood scoring a third when he kept out Matthew Hughes' effort while at the other end Maxwell completed a frustrating afternoon for Henderson and his Rochdale team-mates by blocking his fierce drive from the left of the area.