Words John Edwards | Pictures Jonathan Moore

Altrincham 1 Rochdale 2

Defeats are never easy to take, but this latest setback for Altrincham was particularly galling for Phil Parkinson and his players after an 89th-minute goal tinged with controversy gave play-off rivals Rochdale the points at The J.Davidson Stadium.

After forcing their way back on terms with a well-taken 58th-minute equaliser by Isaac Marriott, the Robins looked to be in the ascendancy and primed to revitalise their play-off hopes with a much-needed derby victory.

Instead, they were caught by a late sucker punch made all the harder to accept by an apparent handball that went unnoticed in the early stages of a build-up that ended with Devante Rodney forcing the ball home from close range.

Even then, Alty refused to accept their fate and carved out chances to salvage a point no fewer than three times during the six added minutes, keeper Killian Barrett denying Regan Linney and Alex Newby and substitute Jake Bickerstaff dragging a shot wide.

So, it's on to The Shay on Monday afternoon, and while victory over FC Halifax Town is nothing short of essential, the Robins have at least shown they do not consider any cause to be lost until the maths prove otherwise.

A superb Tylor Golden challenge and crucial Lewis Baines interception apart, there was little of note from either side in a low-key opening quarter-of-an-hour.

There was plenty to admire on the arrival of the 15th minute, though, as players from both sides paused to join home and away fans in their applause for former Rochdale player Joe Thompson.

Fifteen was Joe's number in his days as as a huge crowd favourite at Rochdale, and it was heart-warming to see and hear rivalries set aside for a few moments in memory of an incredibly courageous individual who died at the age of just 36.

When play resumed, it didn't take the visitors long to go in front, as Sam Beckwith fastened on to a square pass and let fly with a low drive that raced beyond the reach of Caleb Ansen from 25 yards.

Callum Dolan couldn't quite capitalise on a half-chance after 35 minutes, but Alty could easily have ended the first half further adrift after Ian Henderson headed against the bar in the 45th minute and then had a close-range finish ruled out for offside seconds later.

Equally, they could have ended it on level terms after a Newby free-kick just before the break was only half-cleared, and Matty Kosylo unleashed a first-time drive that looked goalbound until being blocked by a defender.

Alty so nearly conceded a second goal in the 47th minute after a misplaced pass from James Jones was seized on by Aidan Barlow.

The Dale danger man, so impressive when the sides met in the Isuzu FA Trophy recently, powered forward before setting up Rodney for a shot that clipped the outside of the left post.

Undaunted, Alty responded by exerting growing pressure on the Rochdale goal, and it almost yielded an equaliser in the 57th minute.

Newby surged clear down the right, and when he tried to pick out Linney in the middle, Barrett had to stretch to claim the ball before it reached the lurking Alty striker.

Momentum was building, and it led to a deserved Alty leveller in the 58th minute.

Kosylo rolled a pass along the edge of the Rochdale area towards Marriott, and the Alty midfielder steadied himself before drilling a low left-foot shot inside the right-hand post.

There was an intensity about Alty's play that encouraged a belief that three points, rather than just one, could be on offer for the Robins.

It was an impression that gained credence in the 79th minute when Linney had a glorious chance to add to his impressive goalscoring tally this season.

A long through ball landed perfectly for him to take in his stride and bustle his way clear for a one-on-one with Barrett.

It was a scenario in which he prevails nine times out of 10, but this, unfortunately, was the exception, as the Rochdale keeper held his nerve and stood firm to save his side with a vital block.

The Robins kept plugging away, and Linney did brilliantly to control a sweeping crossfield ball from Elliot Osborne with an exquisite first touch before firing an angled effort that Barrett claimed at the second attempt.

A late twist always looked likely, but what a sickener it was for the Robins when it was Rochdale who provided it.

After they appeared to get away with a handball near the left touchline, Harvey Gilmour ploughed through the middle of the Alty defence before teeing up a chance that Rodney forced through Ansen's legs from close range.

Little time remained but it was nearly enough for Alty to salvage something for all the effort they put in, as they did their utmost to take full advantage of the six minutes added on by the referee.

It wasn't to be, though, as Barrett saved from Linney and Newby and Bickerstaff couldn't quite adjust his sights soon after going on with a shot that drifted agonisingly wide of the far post.

Harvey Nichols MOTM Isaac Marriott

Altrincham Ansen; Banks, Baines (c), Marriott (Bickerstaff, 88'), Linney, Newby, Kosylo (Reddin, 71'), J.Jones, Crawford (Wilson, 23'), Golden, Dolan (Osborne, 67'). Subs not used: Randle, Powell, Penney.

Rochdale Barrett; Gordon, Ebanks-Landell (c), Allarakhia (Armstrong, 85') Gilmour, Rodney, Adebayo-Rowling, Barlow, Edwards (Weston, 46'), Beckwith (Kingdon, 85'), Henderson (Mitchell, 68'). Subs not used: Adu-Poku, Ayinde, Ferguson.

HT 0-1

Goals Marriott 58' | Beckwith 20', Rodney 89'

Yellows Wilson 27', Kosylo 69' | Beckwith 45'+1

Reds None | None

Referee Neil Hair

Assistant Matthew Malton & Mark Ryder

Fourth official Darius Bradley

Attendance 3,464 (1,036 away)

Next Up

Our Easter Monday Vanarama National League encounter is with FC Halifax Town at The Shay (kick-off 3pm). Admission to the away section is by cash turnstiles only.