Rochdale secured a playoff final spot at Wembley after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Scunthorpe on May 3, 2026. The match had its share of tension, starting with an own goal that set the tone for the afternoon.
Just three minutes in, Will Evans inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Rochdale an unexpected lead. The crowd—7,552 strong, with 2,258 fans making the trip from Scunthorpe—erupted in mixed reactions. It was a heart-stopping moment for both teams.
Rochdale didn’t let up. They pressed forward, and in the 57th minute, Devante Rodney found the back of the net. His shot sliced through Scunthorpe’s defense like a hot knife through butter. Fans celebrated wildly; this was more than just a game—it was redemption.
Scunthorpe fought back fiercely. Declan Howe scored in the 81st minute, igniting hopes of a comeback among their supporters. But it wasn’t enough; time slipped away like sand through fingers.
Key match statistics:
- Match result: Rochdale 2 – 1 Scunthorpe
- Own goal by Will Evans at 3 minutes
- Goal by Devante Rodney at 57 minutes
- Goal by Declan Howe for Scunthorpe at 81 minutes
- Total attendance: 7,552 (including 2,258 away fans)
The victory means Rochdale will face Boreham Wood in the playoff final—a chance to secure promotion that they narrowly missed on the final day of the regular season.
This match was not just about goals; it was about resilience and hope. Jimmy McNulty’s leadership on the field shone through as he rallied his teammates during crucial moments. With their eyes now set on Wembley, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As excitement builds for the playoff final against Boreham Wood, questions linger about how both teams will prepare for this pivotal showdown. Will Rochdale capitalize on this momentum, or will Boreham Wood prove to be formidable opponents?
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