Rochdale 3 - 2 Shrewsbury Town: Rochdale back in League One play-off spots after holding off Shrewsbury

Posted Wednesday, September 30, 2015 by PA

Rochdale climbed back into the League One play-off spots after hanging on for a 3-2 victory against Shrewsbury at Spotland.

The home side caught Shrewsbury cold, storming into a 3-0 lead inside the first 15 minutes.

Peter Vincenti opened the scoring in the fourth minute when he side-footed Calvin Andrew's cross beyond goalkeeper Mark Halstead.

Shrews defender Mark Ellis was penalised for handling Vincenti's header in the 12th minute, referee Seb Stockbrigde awarding a spot kick which Ian Henderson duly despatched.

The third goal arrived three minutes later, a fine move from the home side which ended with Donal McDermott's near post delivery being turned in by Jamie Allen.

But Shrewsbury sprung into life midway through the first half.

Dale stopper Josh Lillis denied James Collins when the striker went through on goal but he was left flat-footed when Sullay Kaikai's corner was headed home by former Dale favourite Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro on 35 minutes.

The Shrews scored again when Andy Cannon fouled Akpa Akpro and Collins converted the resulting spot kick four minutes before the interval.

Shrewsbury bossed a lively second half but failed to test Lillis as Rochdale successfully defended their lead.