BRIAN’S DELIGHT AS DALE LINE UP MAGPIES

ROCHDALE are looking forward to a mouthwatering third round tie against Newcastle United in the New Year after overcoming battling Boston United.

Dale were given a searching examination by the National League North outfit at York Street in the second round replay before clinching a 2-1 victory.

The visitors took the lead with just four minutes on the clock as Boston keeper Peter Crook palmed Ian Henderson’s cross into his own net. However, the Pilgrims fought back from that setback and drew level four minutes into the second half when Jordan Thewlis nodded home.

The tie remained nip and tuck until the 79th minute. Boston’s Jay Rollins brought down Rochdale sub Stephen Dooley in the box and Aaron Morley kept his cool to net the resulting spot-kick for the winner. Dale will now host Steve Bruce’s Newcastle in the third round in front of the BT cameras on Saturday, January 4 (12.31pm).

“We are delighted to progress to the next round,” said boss Brian Barry-Murphy. “I thought it was going to be a very difficult game and it was everything a cup-tie should be.

“We showed a different side of our qualities and the combination of experienced players and young players showed in the

‘never say die’ attitude.

“I am just so happy for the players to have got the win that allows us to go and play one of the biggest clubs in Europe in the next round.”

Meanwhile, managerless Bristol Rovers booked their place in round three with a hard-fought 1-0 replay victory at Plymouth.

The hosts had the better of the chances, but a combination of fine goalkeeping from Rovers keeper Anssi Jaakkola, wasteful finishing and bad luck prevented them from scoring.

It proved costly as Rovers’ Alex Rodman headed a 68th-minute winner to tee up a home third round tie against Coventry.