Report: Magpies 1-1 Rochdale

Maidenhead United and Rochdale AFC shared the points in front of a bumper crowd at York Road for Non-League Day 2025. 

 

United fielded a much-changed line up prior to kick off. Brendan Kiernan made his maiden start in midfield, with Tobi Sho-Silva starting up top and Reece Smith returning to the first XI. 

 

The first 15 minutes were a quiet affair with few chances for either side, but the visitors would take the lead shortly thereafter. Effective build-up from Rochdale left Aidan Barlow with a chance to cross, and his curled delivery was converted home by Ian Henderson’s header from close range. 

 

United sought an equaliser, and were able to create chances if not convert them. Casey Pettit’s strike from range saw him fire over the bar in the 23rd minute, while Brendan Kiernan struck wayward under pressure four minutes later. 

 

Their best chance of the half came as Sho-Silva played through Kane Ferdinand on the left flank. The midfielder charged down the wing, crossing across the face of goal, but a player in black and white stripes was not there to tap home. 

 

With half-time approaching, United continued to pile on the pressure, but their momentum was temporarily interrupted as Manny Onariase went to ground in a mid-air collision with Kairo Mitchell. There was pause in play while the centre-half received treatment, but after a short spell on the sidelines, Onariase was allowed to continue. 

 

With three minutes added on, United had one last chance in the half as Kiernan crossed to Sho-Silva, who was unable to get a full contact. The ball was easily collected by Sam Waller, marking the end of the first half action. 

 

 

The Magpies have always preferred shooting towards the Bell Street End, and it took just five minutes in the second half for the bumper crowd at York Road to witness why. Reece Smith played a looping cross over to Kiernan, who scored on the half-volley past a befuddled Waller. 

 

United had the upper hand, and Thierry Latty-Fairweather had an excellent opportunity to make it two when Smith sought his second assist. A tight angle left the wingback little room to slot past Waller, who blocked TLF’s attempt. 

 

Latty-Fairweather wasn’t the only defender to have a chance saved by the Rochdale ‘keeper. Remy Clerima headed a long free kick from the back post towards goal, which was saved by Waller. 

 

Despite United’s persistence, the Dale threatened Craig Ross’ goal in the closing minutes. A fine save by the Magpie ‘keeper denied Leon Ayinde on more than one occasion, while Mitchell was also blocked by Rossy. 

 

Neither side were able to break the deadlock in the closing stages, and it was a point apiece when the full-time whistle blew. 

 

 

Magpies: Ross, Latty-Fairweather, Ferdinand, Sho-Silva (Barratt, 77’), Pettit (Johnson, 90’), Smith, Cochrane, Clerima, Kiernan (Wreh, 67’), Onariase 

 

Rochdale: Waller, East, Allarakhia (Adu-Poku, 70’), Gilmour, Mitchell, Adebayo-Rowling, Barlow (Rodney, 82’), Hogan, Kingdon, Beckwith, Henderson (Ayinde, 70’) 

 

Attendance: 2,261