Rochdale AFC held onto top spot in the Enterprise National League with a narrow 1-0 home win over Carlisle United on Saturday afternoon.
Dan Moss scored the only goal of the game just before half-time, sliding in at the back post to convert Aidan Barlow’s wide free-kick for his first goal since joining the club. The victory extends Dale’s winning streak to six matches under manager Jimmy McNulty.
McNulty made two changes from Tuesday’s 4-1 win against Boreham Wood, bringing in Moss and Barlow in place of Tarryn Allarakhia and Jake Burger. Connor McBride returned to the bench.
Despite a speculative early effort from Carlisle’s Alex Gilliead, Rochdale dominated possession throughout the first half. Ethan Ebanks-Landell threatened from set pieces, while Moss made a crucial defensive intervention to block a Carlisle attack from Harvey Macadam.
The breakthrough came in the 41st minute. Barlow’s deep free-kick evaded everyone except Moss, who stretched to finish from close range. Ebanks-Landell almost doubled the lead before the interval with a glancing header that went wide.
Rochdale stayed on the front foot in the second half. Devante Rodney and Ebanks-Landell both had attempts, while goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff was only called into action once, gathering an attempted lob from Macadam.
In the closing stages, Dale pushed for a second. Substitute Ian Henderson was denied by a smart intervention from Carlisle keeper Gabriel Breeze, and then sent a chip just wide after beating the back line.
Strong defending in five minutes of added time saw Dale safely over the line in front of a 4,725-strong crowd at the Crown Oil Arena, including 1,325 travelling fans.
- 7 Feb 2026 - Rochdale 1 - 0 Carlisle United
- 7 Feb 2026 - Rochdale 1 - 0 Carlisle United
- 7 Feb 2026 - Rochdale 1 - 0 Carlisle United
- 7 Feb 2026 - Rochdale 1 - 0 Carlisle United
- 7 Feb 2026 - Rochdale 1 - 0 Carlisle United
- 7 Feb 2026 - Rochdale 1 - 0 Carlisle United
- 7 Feb 2026 - Rochdale 1 - 0 Carlisle United
- 7 Feb 2026 - Rochdale 1 - 0 Carlisle United
- 7 Feb 2026 - Rochdale 1 - 0 Carlisle United
Rochdale voices add momentum to growing call for fairer National League promotion
Rochdale power back to first place after dominant display against Boreham Wood
Rochdale RUFC pull clear of relegation rivals with commanding win over Manchester RFC
Ramsbottom United surrender two-goal cushion in dramatic 4–4 draw against Isle of Man
Bury edge past Chasetown to stay unbeaten in the league
Rochdale AFC kicks off football project to support people experiencing homelessness
Dale Women hit Mossley Hill for six in final league home match

Comments
Add a comment