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Rochdale beaten by FC Halifax Town in final pre season friendly

Wednesday, 29 July 2026 13:35

By David Murphy

Rochdale ended their pre season campaign with a 3 to 2 home defeat against FC Halifax Town on Tuesday night in a match overshadowed by an injury to Will Jenkins and two second half red cards.

FC Halifax Town made a fast start at the Crown Oil Arena and took the lead after five minutes when Zak Gilsenan curled a free kick into the top corner.

The visitors doubled their advantage two minutes later when a trialist finished from close range after a low cross from the left.

Rochdale responded well and reduced the deficit in the 25th minute. Casey Pettit switched play to Tyrese Silcott Duberry, whose cross found Will Jenkins. His effort over the advancing goalkeeper allowed Ian Henderson to chest the ball into the net from close range.

Luke Hannant went close on several occasions before drawing Rochdale level eight minutes before the interval. Silcott Duberry again provided the cross and Hannant headed home at the back post.

The first half ended early after Jenkins suffered what appeared to be a knee injury. He received treatment on the pitch before leaving on a stretcher.

Halifax restored their lead three minutes into the second half when Arian Allen converted from close range after a cross from the right.

The match then saw both teams reduced to ten players following an off the ball altercation involving Hannant and a Halifax trialist. The referee dismissed both players despite both clubs reportedly wishing to continue with full teams in the friendly fixture.

Rochdale pushed for another equaliser during the closing stages. Harvey Gilmour and Ethan Ebanks Landell both had late efforts but Halifax held on to secure victory.

The result brings Rochdale's pre season schedule to a close before attention turns to Saturday's Carabao Cup preliminary round tie against Tranmere Rovers.

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Pre-season friendly

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