Dale overcome Pilgrims to set up Toon cup clash

AARON Morley’s 78th-minute penalty earned Rochdale an FA Cup third round clash against Premier League side Newcastle United as Brian Barry-Murphy’s men edged past plucky Boston.

The Pilgrims held Dale to a goalless draw at the Crown Oil Arena earlier this month and once again proved a difficult hurdle for the League One side.

Things seemed to be going according to BBM’s plans when the visitors took the lead just four minutes in, Ian Henderson’s cross palmed into his own net by goalkeeper Peter Crook.

But Dale suffered a blow when skipper Henderson hobbled out of the action on ten minutes following a hefty challenge by Boston captain Luke Shiels.

His replacement, Rekeil Pkye, struck the post just before the break but Dale couldn’t shake off the home side and they drew level four minutes into the second half. Jonathan Wafula struck the crossbar, Boston keeping the move alive as Alex Whittle’s cross was headed into the path of Jordan Thewlis by Wafula, the striker nodding home from six yards.

The tie was in the balance in the 78th minute when Jay Rollins’ clumsy challenge brought down Stephen Dooley, gifting Dale a penalty.

Morley stepped up and coolly struck home, sending Crook the wrong way.

“We displayed a lot of fight and a lot of courage throughout the game and I always felt we would be dangerous the longer the game went on and we probably scored at a crucial time for us,” said BBM.

“The level of nerve our young players showed at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup stood them in good stead. This was a very different test for them.”

Dale’s next outing is a trip to 16th-placed Burton Albion in League One on Saturday.