Oxford Utd 1-0 Rochdale: Match Report

Liam Sercombe nets late winner for OxfordLiam Sercombe scored the winner in the 88th minute as Oxford overcame Rochdale 1-0 at the Kassam Stadium. Just moments after Peter Vincenti had shot wide for Dale from a great position, new signing Marvin Johnson's cross was converted by midfielder Sercombe.It was cruel on Dale, who are still looking for their first league win of the season.The visitors had a great chance to open the scoring after just four minutes. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing's left-wing cross picked out Andy Cannon, but he fired over from six yards. Oxford duo Kane Hemmings and Wes Thomas were both denied by goalkeeper Conrad Logan, and at half-time deadline-day signing Johnson replaced Hemmings.Johnson was unlucky not to score with a back-header, and Thomas also went close for the hosts.It proved to be a frustrating afternoon for Rochdale as Oxford goalkeeper Simon Eastwood parried a firece Mendez-Laing strike and Niall Canavan flicked an effort against the crossbar from a corner.

Source: PA