Josh Walker nets winner as Southend win at Rochdale
Josh Walker nets winner as Southend win at Rochdale

Southend got back to winning ways in the National League as they beat play-off hopefuls Rochdale 1-0 at Spotland.
The Shrimpers without a victory in three league games. But did beat Eastleigh in FA Cup qualifying last weekend went close. When Nathan Ralph headed wide from a free-kick floated into the Dale box.
Ralph then helped set up a goal for the https://ufabet999.app visitors in first-half stoppage time. When his knockdown from a cross fell to Josh Walker, who lashed home from close range.
Dale, looking to extend a three-match unbeaten league run, press for an equaliser in the second half, with Kairo Mitchell glancing over. Before midfielder Ryan East fired wide late on.
“It’s difficult because it’s not a 1-0 Southend game,” said McNulty.
“It wasn’t a good Rochdale performance but it’s not a 1-0 Southend game and when it’s scored when time is up and we should be on our way back into the changing room it’s hard to take.”
But McNulty also admitted his own side were not at their best.
“I just don’t think we performed well and we weren’t very good,” said McNulty.
“The most disappointing aspect was that we lost the chance to use the skills of our very good players by not knowing what we should do.
“We didn’t play how we practise, and it was one of the most challenging games for me from a coaching perspective.
“We didn’t look overly threatening at all and the game had a disappointing tinge to it.
“Southend didn’t have much at all in the game and it was a pretty poor game.
“On the balance of play as a neutral and not being Rochdale affiliate. I may even think a fair result was a draw to be honest.
The defeat saw Rochdale slip to sixth in the standings and McNulty is now targeting a return to winning ways against Halifax Town on Tuesday night.
“Football challenges you like this so on we go,” said McNulty.
“Whenever we don’t play well I find it hard to feel hard done by.
“We take the loss on the chin, we’ll be humble and go back to the training ground and try to be better.”