Rochdale remain without a point in League Two

Rochdale 1 - 2 Crawley Town

Rochdale remain without a point on their return to the EFL

Author | Tom H

Stadium | Spotland

Full-time at Spotland

Crawley went ahead in the eighth minute through Peterborough loanee Pemi Aderoju, who fired home from a left-wing cross by Osman Kamara, his first goal for the club, as they were the more dangerous side in the opening half.

Dale started the second period strongly and equalised in the 54th minute when centre-back Ethan Ebanks-Landell headed home Ryan East's header at the far post, only his seventh goal for the club in 154 matches.

However, Crawley regained the lead in the 72nd minute through Louie Watson's penalty after a trip by Kaiden Wilson on Aderoju.

View from the stands

The impact of this result

The loss left newly promoted Dale, who were heavily beaten at Newport in their first game in the EFL since 2023, still searching for their first point of the campaign.

Fans critical of performance and management 

Jamie, a Rochdale fan, told us: "Sadly, the new management team have done little so far to give the fans much encouragement. Bringing in a manager from the National League North looks a questionable decision, and Dale already appear to be on course for a swift return to non-league football."

Tony added: "I almost miss the National League already."