BRAINTREE, England (Interstat) — Rochdale opened its National League campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Braintree Town on Saturday at Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium.

Substitute Aidan Barlow gave the visitors a first-half lead with a goal in the 36th minute. Braintree Town’s John Akinde leveled the match deep into second-half stoppage time with a goal in the 91st minute. Rochdale responded immediately, as Emmanuel Dieseruvwe secured the win with a goal in the 99th minute.

The result matched the 2-1 projection by Interstat’s game simulator. Rochdale began its season with a win, while Braintree Town started with a loss. Four yellow cards were issued in a tense eight-minute span early in the second half.