Rochdale 2 Barnet 1
Last updated : 10 October 2009 By Jaybee
Barnet started the match with the side that won against Grimsby last weekend, with Paul Furlong, Gary Breen and Albert Adomah returning after missing the midweek match at Charlton. Barnet got off to a bad start this afternoon at Spotland with Rochdale taking the lead in the11th minute through Chris Dagnall whose shot from inside the penalty area beat Jake Cole and went into the bottom left hand corner of the goal.
The Bees had already had to make a change with Ryan O'Neill replacing Joe Devera in only the 9th minute. However, it was the Bees who were very much on top in the match, having most of the possession.
Rochdale had their moments and actually looked more dangerous with O'Grady, Dagnall and Whaley all coming close for the home side. As the first half wore on Rochdale looked more and more in control and Buckley, Dagnall and O'Grady all had shots on goal with Jake Cole much the busiest goalkeeper.
As half time approached, the Bees began to stem the wave of Rochdale attacks and Paul Furlong and John O'Flynn had shots saved by Dale keeper, Kenny Arthur. On 45 minutes though, Gary Breen fouled Buckley in the penalty area and a penalty was awarded, Thomas Kennedy firing it home to give Rochdale a 2-0 lead.
HT: Rochdale 2 Barnet 0
The second half started with Rochdale in control as they had been for the latter part of the first half. O'Grady saw a header go just wide early on, Dagnall and Jones going close.
Barnet manager, Ian Hendon brought on Albert Jarrett for Albert Adomah just before the hour mark as Barnet strove to get back into the game. Jarrett hit the post and then Paul Furlong hot a powerful shot which, unfortunately for the Bees, went straight at the keeper. However, Barnet were not doing enough to bother the home side unduly, despite the Bees' efforts; Jarrett and Yakubu both coming close.
On 85 minutes, Jake HYDE, on for O'Flynn, brought the Bees back into the match when he scored with a volley on the turn from a Bolasie corner. Paul Furlong almost equalised, but his header went just wide of the post.
However, Rochdale held on to claim the three points, moving above Barnet and up to 4th place. The defeat means that the Bees slip to 6th, just below Aldershot on goal difference. A disappointing result for the Bees, but at least they didn't fall apart in the same way that they did at Rotherham. Next up Burton Albion away next Saturday.
Rochdale: Arthur; Wiseman (Flynn 76), Stanton, Dawson, T Kennedy; J Kennedy, Whaley, Jones, Buckley (Thompson 71); Dagnall, O'Grady.
Barnet: Cole; Devera (O'Neill 9), Breen, Yakubu, Gillet; Adomah (Jarrett 58), Hughes, M Hyde, Bolasie; O'Flynn (J Hyde 70), Furlong.
Attendance: 2648
