The title race is getting intense in the National League as James McNutty’s side grabbed three more points, writes Muhammad Saad Ismail.
Their opponents Eastleigh had a tough clash with the league toppers. A fumble cost the visiting team a point as they lost 2-0.
The match too place on Saturday at the Crown Oil Arena in Rochdale, where table-toppers Rochdale AFC clashed with 16th-ranked Eastleigh. McNutty’s side was already at the top of the league but a win would make their position stronger.
Read more: https://mancsport.com/2025/11/24/rochdale-regain-top-spot-with-crucial-away-victory/
The first-half was quite equal, where both sides created a few decent chances but failed to score any goals. Rochdale AFC went goalless at home into the break, which was probably unexpected in the first 45 minutes. Eastleigh had a stronger start, where they managed to challenge a few times against the table toppers.
The score was 0-0 at halftime. Rochdale AFC knew they had to pull out some goals to grab three points, while Eastleigh were trying to pull something that no one expected.
The second-half started with ambition for McNutty’s side to pull out a goal. They went one up when a fumble from Eastleigh midfielder Lloyd Humphries caused an own goal, the score was now 1-0. The Dale got the lead but needed more goals to confirm three points.
For that, they made two changes, Aiden Barlow and Connor McBride came on in the 63rd minute. Similarly, the visitors made a change with Aaron Blair substituted on in the 70th minute. Within the next three minutes, Rochdale AFC struck, where Tarryn Allarakhia scored a goal to make it 2-0 in the 73rd minute. McNutty’s side doubled their lead, and now it was pretty clear they had achieved the three points.
At the final whistle, The Dale secured three more points. But things are getting interesting as Carlisle are just behind the table toppers because of a six-goal difference, while Rochdale AFC have the advantage of two games in hand.
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