Match ends, Rochdale 1, Forest Green Rovers 2.
RochdaleRochdale1Forest GreenForest Green Rovers2
Forest Green's victory at Rochdale in League Two was marred by serious injury to Udoka Godwin-Malife late in the game.
There was a lengthy stoppage late on as the defender was carried off on a stretcher while wearing an oxygen mask following an innocuous-looking collision near the halfway line.
The visitors had taken the lead against the run of play in the 34th minute when Matt Done made a hash of an attempted interception, allowing Kane Wilson to race free down the right and square for Jamille Matt to send a composed finish wide of Jay Lynch.
A lively start to the second half saw Matt Stevens' header hit the upright before the home side equalised when Alex Newby smashed the ball into the roof of the net in the 48th minute.
But Dale's parity lasted less than 60 seconds as Stevens restored Rovers' lead with a smart finish.
Abraham Odoh's low drive was pushed around the post by goalkeeper Luke McGee while on-loan Birmingham striker Josh Andrews sent a free header off target as Dale pushed for an equaliser.
The Godwin-Malife injury led to nine minutes of stoppage time and Rovers held on to make it three wins from their opening three league games.
Match report supplied by PA Media.
Line-ups
Rochdale
Formation 3-4-3
- 1Lynch
- 15GrahamSubstituted forCashmanat 80'minutes
- 6O'Connell
- 5Taylor
- 2O'KeeffeBooked at 22mins
- 8Morley
- 7Dooley
- 16Done
- 18Odoh
- 9BeesleySubstituted forAndrewsat 24'minutes
- 10Newby
Substitutes
- 13Keohane
- 19Andrews
- 20Cashman
- 24Brierley
- 25Dunne
- 33Coleman
Forest Green
Formation 3-4-1-2
- 1McGee
- 22Godwin-MalifeSubstituted forCargillat 90'minutes
- 4Sweeney
- 3Bernard
- 2Wilson
- 7Stevenson
- 21Hendry
- 11CaddenSubstituted forAllenat 90+7'minutes
- 8Adams
- 14Matt
- 9StevensSubstituted forAitchisonat 78'minutes
Substitutes
- 6Cargill
- 10Aitchison
- 12Allen
- 17Edwards
- 18Young
- 23Diallo
- 24Thomas
- Referee:
- Andy Haines
- Attendance:
- 2,188
Match Stats
Home TeamRochdaleAway TeamForest Green
- Possession
- Home56%
- Away44%
- Shots
- Home11
- Away11
- Shots on Target
- Home2
- Away3
- Corners
- Home4
- Away6
- Fouls
- Home9
- Away11
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Rochdale 1, Forest Green Rovers 2.
Post update
Foul by Stephen Dooley (Rochdale).
Post update
Kane Wilson (Forest Green Rovers) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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Corey O'Keeffe (Rochdale) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Post update
Foul by Regan Hendry (Forest Green Rovers).
Substitution
Substitution, Forest Green Rovers. Taylor Allen replaces Nicky Cadden.
Post update
Foul by Josh Andrews (Rochdale).
Post update
Ben Stevenson (Forest Green Rovers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution
Substitution, Forest Green Rovers. Baily Cargill replaces Udoka Godwin-Malife because of an injury.
Post update
Attempt saved. Kane Wilson (Forest Green Rovers) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Jack Aitchison.
Post update
Attempt missed. Jamille Matt (Forest Green Rovers) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left.
Post update
Attempt missed. Ebou Adams (Forest Green Rovers) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
Substitution
Substitution, Rochdale. Danny Cashman replaces Sam Graham.
Post update
Attempt blocked. Corey O'Keeffe (Rochdale) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
Post update
Attempt blocked. Corey O'Keeffe (Rochdale) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Aaron Morley.
Post update
Corner, Rochdale. Conceded by Dominic Bernard.
Substitution
Substitution, Forest Green Rovers. Jack Aitchison replaces Matt Stevens.
Post update
Attempt missed. Alex Newby (Rochdale) right footed shot from outside the box is too high from a direct free kick.
Post update
Stephen Dooley (Rochdale) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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