Latics defeated by 10-man Rochdale

TWO GOALS . . . Aaron Amadi-Holloway

ATHLETIC 2, ROCHDALE 3

TWO goals from Aaron Amadi-Holloway were not enough for Athletic, as 10-man Rochdale claimed three points on derby day.

Amadi-Holloway struck first-time efforts in both halves and was credited with an own goal – though Anthony Gerrard appeared to get the decisive touch.

Rochdale levelled through Ian Henderson, who was later sent off, before taking the lead with two goals early in the second half via Gerrard and a superb Callum Camps effort.

Amadi-Holloway halved the deficit, but this was an opportunity missed for John Sheridan's side in the battle against relegation.

Rochdale started the game the better, penning the home side in, before Amadi-Holloway came to the fore.

First he saw a flicked volley well saved low down by Josh Lillis, before he netted his first goal for the club with a very well-worked team effort. Liam Kelly flicked the ball down the left to Jonathan Forte, his low centre was turned into Amadi-Holloway's path by Main and the 18-yard, first-time side-footed finish was too accurate for Lillis as it brushed the far post on its way in.

A controversial penalty brought the visitors level. Timothee Dieng was penalised for a trip on Camps and Henderson converted with confidence on 37 minutes.

Then came Henderson's baffling red card, a second booking in the space of 13 minutes after hacking down Main from behind. He gave referee Paul Tierney no option but to dismiss the Rochdale captain.

Rochdale took the lead four minutes after the interval. Donal McDermott's inswinging corner kick was headed into his own goal by Gerrard, though the goal was officially credited as an Amadi-Holloway own goal.

It got even worse for Athletic after 55 minutes. Dieng's poor pass was collected in midfield by Camps, who drove forward at pace, composed himself and lashed in a superb 20-yard drive which cannoned into the roof of the net after hitting the underside of the crossbar.

Amadi-Holloway's second was another excellent strike, taking on a knock-down from Timmy Thiele and striking a 25-yard volley firmly past Lillis on 71 minutes.

But Athletic could not make a further breakthrough, leaving the majority in the 6,117 crowd to go home disappointed.