Hartlepool United 0 Rochdale 1, played on Monday afternoon, left the hosts with little to show for a contest that Rochdale controlled more convincingly as the game wore on.
Harvey Gilmour gave Rochdale the lead just before the interval, finishing to put the visitors ahead and shift the momentum firmly in their favour. Hartlepool offered little in response and struggled to test the visiting defence with any consistency.
The hour mark brought a cluster of changes from both benches. Rochdale introduced Casey Pettit, Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, and Ian Henderson around the 62nd minute, freshening their midfield and adding physicality in the final third. Hartlepool responded with Tyler Smith and later Charlie Caton and Vadaine Oliver, searching for a route back into the match.
Luke Hannant was withdrawn at 85 minutes having been one of Rochdale's more effective carriers through the middle, and Henderson, who had come on as a substitute, wrapped up proceedings with a goal in added time to confirm a 2-0 victory. Matty Daly also came on late for Hartlepool but could not alter the pattern of play.
Rochdale defended their lead without great alarm and looked the more organised side throughout the second half. For Hartlepool, the result extended a difficult run at Victoria Park, with their attacking play offering insufficient threat to unsettle a visiting side that managed the game calmly from the front to the final whistle.
Recap generated from the event timeline. Editorial team review by request. How we use AI.
