Hill stunned as disputed goal dumps Rochdale out of cup

ROCHDALE were sent crashing out of the FA Cup in controversial circumstances as Evo-Stik Premier Division outfit FC United claimed a 3-2 win at Spotland.

Dale fought back from two goals down to level the tie through Anthony Elding and Craig Dawson.

But with a lucrative replay looming, Mike Norton poked the ball out of goalkeeper Josh Lillis’ hands in time added on and tapped home the winner.

Referee Geoff Eltringham saw nothing wrong with the striker’s effort, though Dale boss Keith Hill certainly did.

“The referee got it wrong and it would be nice if the referee admitted to getting it wrong,” he said.

“It’s the third time this season I’ve been done by a refereeing decision and I do consider that to be a bad decision.

“There are no sour grapes - I wish FC the best and they deserve to be celebrating - but the decision was fundamentally wrong.

“I thought FC were excellent, the crowd was electric, absolutely superb, and they deserved to go through.”

Few could argue with that sentiment.

Nicky Platt fired the visitors ahead when he raced on to Jerome Wright’s neat pass and lifted the ball over Lillis.

Minutes into the second half they were two up, Jake Cotterell hammering home a stunning effort from 25 yards which ripped into the top corner of the net.

Brian Barry-Murphy’s set-pieces finally unpicked the FC defence, Elding and then Dawson on the end of his superb deliveries.

But when Norton netted it left Dale no time to react and the Rebels were celebrating.

“It was a massive test, one of the only games this season we have been favourites,” said Hill.

“I thought the fans were excellent and they have a right to be disappointed.

“They did expect us to win this match and we haven’t, but I still feel the club is going in the right direction.

“We shouldn’t be affected by this result.

“FC United were excellent - they played with energy and good style of football.

“They have good players and were in confident form. It was a difficult challenge for us, but it will make us stronger.”

Rochdale: Lillis, Wiseman, Holness, Dawson, Widdowson, Barry-Murphy, Jones, Kennedy, Elding, O’Grady, Adams (Akpa-Akpro, 56). Subs not used: Edwards, Done, Josh Thompson, Joe Thompson, Gray, Flynn.

Referee: G Eltringham. Att: 7,048