A first Dale goal for Eleanor Seals inside 30 seconds and an 82nd minute strike from Erin Whyte made sure that the 100% league record stayed intact.
Rochdale returned to league action at home taking on Altrincham FC, in a fight to remain top of the table and for both sides to maintain their unbeaten records.
In windy conditions, Dale began the game perfectly, scoring inside the first minute as Seals produced a sublime finish to beat the keeper and give Dale an early lead.
However, it didn’t take long for Altrincham to respond as in the third minute they were able to level the scores immediately. The visitors began to grow into the game but when the half time whistle went it was Dale who were looking strongest.
In the second half, Dale were applying the pressure with Whyte and Holly Davenport both having good chances and a goal-line clearance to deny Sophie Coates the chance to give Dale the lead.
Eventually, the breakthrough came for Rochdale as Whyte placed the ball into the far post making it impossible for Carmen Stephens to save.
Despite the late pressure applied by the visitors, Rochdale were able to hold onto their 2-1 lead and come away with all three points and maintain their unbeaten record to hold their place at the top of the table.
This result marks Rochdale’s seventh victory in the league and they now look to build on this as they continue their league campaign against Whythenshawe next week away from home, whilst Altrincham walk away with their first defeat of the season.
Dale XI | Simpson, Duckworth, Malpus (c), Makin, Mackie, Taylor, Barnett, Whyte, Seals, Davenport, Coates.
Subs | Jackson, Smith, Strudwick, Mason, King.
