Football: DALE'S JOY

GRANT HOLT'S second-half brace clinched Rochdale's place in the third round at the expense of 10-man Stevenage.

Holt opened the scoring with a neat header and he added a late second after home goalkeeper Andy Woodman was sent off for a professional foul three minutes from time.

Rochdale went into the game on the back of a four-game winning run, but it was Conference side Stevenage who created the first chance.

Midfielder Michael Brough made some space for himself 25 yards from goal before unleashing a fierce strike which flashed wide. Dale were unable to stamp their authority on the game, although Ernest Cooksey threatened midway through the first half with a long-range effort.

Brough was shown a yellow card for unsporting behaviour and team- mate Dannie Bulman's name was added to the referee's notebook for dissent.

Former Sheffield Wednesday striker Holt brought a disappointing half to a close with a 20-yard effort which failed to trouble the keeper.

In a game which had lacked clear-cut openings, Bulman almost broke the deadlock with a superb strike which came back off the woodwork.

Cooksey was then unable to make the most of a quick counter- attack before team-mate Leo Bertos struck the woodwork. However, Dale kept up the pressure and they opened the scoring in the 70th minute following good work by Bertos.

The 22-year-old crossed from the right and Holt made no mistake with a close-range header.

Stevenage had to start chasing the game. But it also created more space for Dale and Holt was unlucky not to double his tally when his shot came back off the woodwork.

Paul Tait also went close with a header which Woodman managed to tip over the crossbar.

However, the Stevenage goalkeeper went from hero to villain when he was dismissed for a foul on Bertos, and Holt made the game safe in injury time.

FACUP 3rd ROUND DRAW TODAY:

BBC1, Sky Sports News and BBC Radio Five Live (4pm)

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