Rochdale 2:3 FC Halifax Town — Match Report

Gary RedknappFootball AnalystMATCH REPORT

Zak Gilsenan scored once and was the standout player as FC Halifax Town beat Rochdale 3-2 in a friendly, setting up a trip to Curzon Ashton on August 1st. The match was a chaotic pre-season affair that saw two red cards in the space of a minute just after half-time, leaving both sides to negotiate the final forty minutes with ten men each.

The turning point came early, with Zak Gilsenan firing Halifax ahead in the 5th minute before Trialist B doubled the lead just two minutes later. Rochdale struck back through Ian Henderson in the 26th minute and Luke Hannant levelled from open play in the 37th, only for Arian Allen to restore Halifax's advantage in the 47th minute. The game swung further when Trialist A and Hannant were both sent off simultaneously in the 50th minute, and Ethan Ebanks-Landell was later booked for Rochdale.

The statistics tell a story of dominance without reward: Rochdale enjoyed 58% possession and earned two corners to Halifax's none, yet the visitors were more clinical in front of goal. Zak Gilsenan was the clear standout, earning an 8.62 rating with one goal from his midfield position. CheckLive's model rated Rochdale marginally ahead, but the result did not confirm that prediction, and the live signals offered no correction as Halifax held on for the win. Next up for Halifax is a trip to Curzon Ashton on August 1st.

Questions & Answers

What was the final score of Rochdale vs FC Halifax Town?

Rochdale 2-3 FC Halifax Town (Club Friendly Games).

Who scored?

Zak Gilsenan (5') for FC Halifax Town; Trialist B (7') for FC Halifax Town; Ian Henderson (26') for Rochdale; Luke Hannant (37') for Rochdale; Arian Allen (47') for FC Halifax Town.

Were there any red cards in Rochdale vs FC Halifax Town?

Yes — sent off: Trialist A (FC Halifax Town, 50'); Luke Hannant (Rochdale, 50').

First half2 - 2