Not just for Christmas!

Rola Cola Sponsored English League Two

Rochdale AFC 4 - 1 Morecambe FC

Journey

It's a little after one.  I'm sat in the Ratcliffe Arms - waiting for Mr. Keane.  He's a bit late.  As I watched Spurs give the Hammer's a footballing lesson - something a bit odd is happening.

Firstly, The Ratcliffe was a bit fuller than normal - I was lucky to get a seat.  Secondly, I heard one phrase again and again - 'Hello [insert name] I haven't seen you for ages!'  Finally, many of the people trooping into the bar had a slightly bewildered look about them - like this was completely new territory for them.  Many of them also looked like they had been dragged head first through the club shop - pristine hats and scarves were heavily in evidence.

A few weeks ago I mused that a few more fans would be more than welcome - in fact I went as far as to say 'BE HERE NOW!'  OK - it has taken a few weeks - but, perhaps - just perhaps...

Mr. Keane duly arrived - with a selection of family members - none of whom I have seen at Spotland before.  In deference to himself - his campaign to fill the Sandy Lane is not  a new thing.  He has been doing his bit for just over ten years.  I was one of his earliest recruits - way back in 1999 - for which I am forever grateful.

Sadly, I didn't have long to chat with Mr. Keane's latest converts - the call of hospital radio meant I had to go.  Once inside - I was greeted by an extraordinary sight.  Walls of snow.  All around the touchline was a waist high wall of snow.  For the last two days - while most of us were eating, drinking and being merry - a small group of ground staff and volunteers had shovelled eight inches of frozen snow off the pitch covers.  Without them - there would have been no game today.

At a time when Spotland is throwing it's arms wide to new fans - it is easy to forget the old guard.  The kind of people who will spend two days, half frozen, shifting tonnes of snow to get the game on.  Forget them at your own risk.  

Food

While I sorted out milk and sugar for my coffee I listened to a steward talking to a fellow milk and sugarer.  I say talking.  Preaching would be more like it.  The steward had gone all John the Baptist.  As the poor chap politely attempted to escape, the steward launched into a ringing endorsement of the new Rochdale AFC - the facillities, the management, the players, the preparation.  This steward is clearly wasted.  Get him into the Wheatsheaf Centre on Saturday mornings - with a sandwich board.

Weather

Cold and dreary.

Away Support

300 maybe 400.  Not a bad turnout.  Morecambe have been on a roll recently - and there was the memory of that unlikely three all draw earlier in the season - maybe they sensed an upset on the cards.

As Mr. Culshaw and I rued the effects of a power cut at Fairfield Hospital - the studio was out of action: so no commentary, again - we had plenty of time to watch the crowd assemble.  And boy did it assemble.  All of those bewildered looking souls in the Ratcliffe contributed to a final gate of 4309.  The biggest of the season so far.

News

Radio silence.  There hasn't been an update of the Littleborough Yellows for quite a while now.  This is because due to heavy rain and then snow they haven't played for two months.  Hopefully the New Year will be kinder.

Unlikely Birthday.  I missed this one at the time - but 26th December was May Contain Football's second birthday.  It's amazing what a thorough soaking at Macc can do isn't it?

Action

Your team for today:

GK: Heaton

Def: McArdle, Dawson, Stanton, Kennedy(T)

Mid: Thompson, Taylor, Kennedy(J), Atkinson

For: Dagnall, O'Grady

Bench: Taberner, Flynn, Toner, Jones, Rundle, Glover, Higginbotham

After a slightly shaky performance from Matt Flynn against Crewe, Rory McArdle stepped into the right full-back berth - his first start in Dale colours since Dagenham.  Other than that, as you were.  Today would also mark Tom Heaton's final game for Dale as his loan from Manchester United expires at the end of the month.  Aside of his debut against Chesterfield - he has been as solid as a rock.  Cheers Sir. Alex.

This will be the sixth meeting of Dale and the Eric's.  Only one of which has ended in a win - for Rochdale - the rest have all been draws.  The most frustrating of all of them being the game at Spotland last season.  This season has already seen Rochdale recover from a being 3-0 down at half time to force an unlikely 3-3 draw.  In short, Morecambe under Sammy McIlroy are a competitive outfit who are currently in good form - could yet another draw be on the cards? 

Despite being without key men Jevons, Mullin and Wainwright - Morecambe sought to press from the moment Mr. Salisbury put the whistle to his lips.  The Eric's hemmed Dale into their own area and bombarded Heaton with high balls and crosses.  Just as they had on Saturday, Dale struggled to clear their lines and Morecambe sensed that opportunity may be knocking.  Thankfully for Dale, Heaton was equal to the challenge - even when Drummond's low drive looked certain to have put Morecambe in the lead.

After ten minutes of unrelenting pressure, Dale found the best possible antidote.  They took the lead.  A long ball from Dawson, flicked on by O'Grady found Atkinson.  The on-loan Hull youngster charged for the byline before pulling the ball back across the face of goal.  A lucky deflection found O'Grady and the rest as they say is history.  1-0 Dale!

Morecambe were rocked - but attempted to find their way back into the game.  Unfortunately, Dale had other ideas.  Ten minutes later a crafty flick from O'Grady unleashed Dagnall into an ocean of space.  Rounding Barry Roche and slotting the ball into the vacant net was a job of seconds.  2-0 Dale!

Seconds later, it probably should have been 3-0 - but Dagnall's effort crashed back off the bar.  As the half wound down further efforts from Dagnall, O'Grady and Thompson threatened to put the matter beyond doubt - but in each case their efforts were just off target.  Morecambe had a chance to pull one back - having replaced Michael Twiss who was suffering from a gashed head, Aaron Taylor flashed the ball just wide with his first touch in the dying minutes.

During half time Mr. Culshaw managed to procure hot soup.  Best not to ask how.

Dale began the second period as they had ended the first.  Efforts from O'Grady, Dagnall and his replacement Higginbotham all produced good saves from Roche.  In the end it took twenty five minutes for Dale to put the game out of sight when an excellent Tom Kennedy cross picked out Atkinson in the Eric's box.  His glancing header left Roche with no chance.  3-0 Dale!

Morecambe had far from given up though and the visiting fans had something to cheer about when Wayne Curtis pulled off the unlikely feat of out-muscling Craig Dawson, before driving powerfully past Heaton.  3-1.

Far from rallying the visitors, the goal seemed to annoy Rochdale - why, the very impudence! - so they promptly went up to the other end and through a glancing contact from Atkinson, Jason Kennedy's cross found it's way past Roche's groping hand.  4-1 Dale!

Speak Your Brains

Your cast for today:  just me

After 71 minutes of dilligent bench polishing, Adam Rundle had a quick run out.  Big thanks to Rotherfield - he looks match fit and raring to go.

Morecambe must be wondering what the dickens happened today.  They weren't bad - although the absence of Jevons and Mullins left them a little short up front - Dale were simply better.  Morecambe are a good side and should be challenging for the play-off's come May.

Can someone explain Morecambe defender Andy Parrish's shorts?  They were pulled up so high I thought it was Simon Cowell for a while.

Dagnall back on the score sheet after a four game drought.  Welcome back.

Atkinson got man of the match - but I thought that O'Grady was the more potent threat throughout.  Scored one, made one and led the Morecambe defence a merry dance.  I would be willing to sell vital organs to keep him at Spotland.

For all of the first time or part time Daley's who came to Spotland today, a final thought:  Rochdale AFC is not just for Christmas - Rochdale AFC is for life (or at least 'till the end of the season).  Do come again.

... and finally, Happy New Year - to both of my readers.            

Tradition

Rola Cola Sponsored English League Two

Crewe Alexandra FC 2 - 2 Rochdale AFC

Journey

The festive season is jam packed with traditions.  Most of them involve eating and drinking until you can't move under your own power.  This usually leads neatly to the great Christmas tradition of the afternoon nap - for the ladies anyway - gentlemen don't nap, they just 'rest their eyes' - for several hours, whilst making a noise like chainsaw.

Rochdale fans also have a number of festive traditions.  Typically these involve eulogising an unlikely but impressive early season win against a fancied team, lamenting an improbably crushing defeat (or two), picking over three indecently early cup exits and bemoaning the long term injury of [insert name here].  Having chewed that lot over for a while it is permissable to speculate that a 'good run' and a couple of decent loaners may just about see Dale into the play-off's.  With a bit of luck.

Disappointingly, this season has singularly failed to deliver the required menu of 'almost', 'might have been' and 'if only'.  Dale sit seven points clear at the top of League Two - with the best goal difference, joint best defensive record and most goals scored.  So, what do you do when you can't fall back on moaning and self delusion?  Well there is another tradition - Boxing Day football.  The grandest and most ancient tradition of the Littleborough Debating and Choral Society. 

So it was that I collected Mr. Turner, Mr. Keane and Mary and headed south a little before one - elsewhere, Playboy Dan, Amancalledshaun and Playboy jnr. also began the journey to Crewe - and at around ten to three Mr. Mitchell departed Newhey, following a brisk spell of proving that Einstein was indeed just a silly old man - he would take his seat in Gresty Road at five to three.

For those of us who were travelling in the regular three dimensions of time and space and at much less than the speed of light - it took a little over an hour.  During this time another grand and ancient tradition came to an end.  Neither Mr. Keane or Mr. Turner complained about the music in my car.  Not once.  That is probably because I had left my I-Pod at home.  Well, it is Christmas.

Weather

In God's Country we had a William Hill approved White Christmas - it snowed on Christmas Day.  However, in the sub-tropical climes of Crewe - no sign of the stuff.  Blueish skies, hazy sunshine and temperatures (just) above zero throughout the game.

Food

The traditions of the pie queue are so ancient they have become unspoken laws.  Chief among these is queueing.  The rule is simple - join at the back - wait your turn.  Sadly this didn't happen today - there was queue jumping.  There is however a tradition which deals with this - no, not asking them to join the back of the queue (we're British you know) - you simply comment very loudly to a fellow queuer (Mr. Culshaw in this case) that someone has pushed in until the miscreant retires suitably red faced.  Season of god will?  When a Chicken Balti pie is at stake, I think not.

Ground

This my first visit to Gresty Road.  First impressions were very good.  A nice big carpark right next to the ground - pay and display - but worth every penny.  Two small all seater stands occupy the ends - albeit pretty much empty.  An elderly looking all seater stand on one side would house the 1200 Dale fans who had made the trip - including a handsome selection of people in fancy dress.

Then there is the main stand.  It completely dwarf's the rest of the ground.  Having clambered all the way to the top row of seats - where the commentary positions were located - I had to pause for breath.  For about ten minutes.  A cracking view though - which included Jodrell Bank and most of Cheshire.  

News

Aloan again.  Jason Taylor and Will Atkinson extend their loan spells at Spotland unil the end of January.

Back to what you know.  Adam Rundle returns from his loan spell at Rotherfield.  That bench isn't going to polish itself you know.

It's not you - it's me.  Clark Keltie is released from his contract at Dale by mutual consent.  Probably for the best all round.

Action

Your team for today:

GK: Heaton

Def: Flynn, Dawson, Stanton, Kennedy(T)

Mid: Thompson, Taylor, Kennedy(J), Atkinson

For: Dagnall, O'Grady

Bench: Taberner, McArdle, Toner, Jones, Hagan, Glover, Higginbotham

A training injury to Scott Wiseman would hand Matt Flynn his first start since the win over Notts County.  Other than that no changes for Dale.  

In spite of the dizzying height of the commentary area and handy access to Jodrell Bank - would the commentary equipment pick up a signal?  Nope.  So, no commentary today.  However,  it did give me the chance to read the program.  It turns out that Rochdale's last league meeting with Crewe was in 1994 - which Dale won 2-1 at Spotland.  However, the last league visit to Gresty Road ended in a 2-1 win for the Railwaymen.  There was a meeting in the Johnstone's Paint Tin in 2006 at Spotland - which was 1-1 at full time - but the Alex managed to win through on penalties.  Nathan Stanton and Chris Dagnall both played that day - Adam Rundle was predictably on the bench.  In short, Dale don't play Crewe very often - the above facts, as sparse as they are, aren't that interesting - I'm just filling space.  Sorry.

Mercifully, before I could wade into Dale and the Alex' first league encounter (interestingly 26th December 1921) - Mr. Langford got things underway.  Perhaps I should have stuck to the program.  Dale traditionally start brightly - but not today.  Crewe had done their homework.  The Railwaymen closed Rochdale down at every turn forcing hurried, misdirected passes from the visitors.  Last week I waxed lyrical about Dale's passing - today it just wasn't happening - on the other hand the Alex weren't having any such problems.  On two minutes Calvin Zola had the ball in the net for the home team - Dale were only saved by a questionable off-side decision.

Zola along with his striking partner Donaldson generated chance after chance for the home side.  Only wayward finishing, frantic defending and a couple of sharp saves from Heaton kept the Railwaymen from taking the lead.  Dale created a couple of chances of their own through Jason Kennedy and Chris Dagnall - Dagnall couldn't make contact from six yards to turn home a Flynn cross - but other than that the majority of the play was in the Dale half and dictated by Crewe.  When halftime rolled up and the score was still 0-0, I was more than a little relieved.

Aside of shaming queue jumpers whilst waiting for my chicken balti pie I indulged in another tradition.  Texting Mr. Turner for his thoughts on the game so far.  He didn't think it was so bad.  I may have suggested he was misguided - or words broadly to that effect.  Fortunately, before I could become embroiled in Mr. Turner's doubtlessly fascinating justification - the second half began.

It semed that words had been had in the Rochdale dressing room during half time - Dale restarted with more purpose.  Within minutes Dale almost benefitted from a festive gift as Matt Tootle came within inches of putting the ball in his own net.   

Minutes later Rochdale took the lead.  Dale had forced a sequence of corners early in the half - the third of which found Craig Dawson lurking at the back post.  A customarily clinical finish saw our Craig move to nine goals for the season.  1-0 Dale!

Crewe rallied after going behind and in next to no time Nathan Stanton got into the Christmas spirit by playing in Donaldson with an under cooked back pass - only a brave save from Heaton averted disaster.  With twenty minutes left on the clock, the Alex' struck back.  From a sharply taken freekick The ball pinballed around inside the Dale area - it seemed that the ball had finally been hammered away, but only as far as Westwood on the edge of the area.  His shot on the turn evaded a forrest of bodies before flying into the bottom corner.  1-1.

Just three minutes later - Dale were back in the lead.  A move down the Rochdale left seemed to have broken down when O'Grady was dispossesed.  But the ball squirmed away from the challenge and fell to recent substitute Kallum Higginbotham.  From around twenty yards, he took a touch, he looked, he let fly.  Phillips saw it coming - but his acrobatic lunge was just too late.  2-1 Dale!    

I didn't have long to think about what an unlikely Christmas present this would be.  Crewe equalised - again.  A missed challenge by Tom Kennedy set the Railwaymen loose down the Dale left.  The ball was slipped through to Donaldson who fired a low shot goalward, Heaton did well to parry - but Tootle had cantered forward from full-back and had the simple task of poking the ball into the unguarded net.  2-2.

...and so it ended.

Speak Your Brains

Your cast for today:  Mr. Keane, Mr. Turner, Myself and special guest starring: Playboy Dan

Not a great start today - I have seldom seen Dale lose the ball so freely or defend so indecisively.  As is the tradition, I was in a minority of one on this.

Craig Dawson - centre half - nine goals for the season - by Christmas!  Awesome.

Being marooned at the top of Mt. Mainstand I missed the fancy dress display.  Mr Keane had however taken a picture of 'Bucket Man'.  A man, with a plastic bucket on his head, painted with the words 'Bury FC'.  Ahh - our oldest tradition - poking fun at 'that famous old club'.

The second half was probably the best 45 minutes of football I have seen all season.  A win would have been good - but a draw was the right result.  Fair play to Crewe - Mr Gradi seems to be working his magic again.

Higgibotham's finish!  People are fretting about the potential sale of Buckley.  Fret ye not!  Higgy is back.

Because Mr.  Turner favoured us with his presence today, he probably thinks he is going to get a big write-up...  Surprise.

Dale are still five points clear at the top of League Two.  Time for some new traditions perhaps?      

Swept

Rola-Cola Sponsored English League Two

Rochdale AFC 4 - 0 Shrewsbury Town FC

Journey

09:00 minus six degree's - or so the thermometer in my car said as I embarked on my Christmas shopping this morning.  Snow and ice lay thick across God's Country.  Driving was a bit chaotic - but nothing in comparison  to being stuck in the Channel Tunnel all night as thousands of unfortunate folks were last night.

As well as causing delays on every kind of transport you can imagine and causing misery to travellers the length of the nation: there was the small matter of todays fixture lists.

The weather had gone through them like an icy rapier.  By 10am the postponements ran into double figures.  But way down at the bottom of the list on the BBC sports page were the following words:

Rochdale vs. Shrewsbury - pitch inspection.

Local neighbours Bury and Accrington's games had already been postponed - but there was still a faint hope that today's fixture at Spotland would be on.  Hope took the form of Head Groundsman, Phil Collinson, his team and a little army of volunteers.  While I was doing my bit to end the retail recession - they were shovelling and sweeping the pitch covers clear.  With the snow swept away - the green acres of Spotland were revealed and today's referee, Mr. Shoebridge, declared it playable.  

By early afternoon the Spotland fixture was the only game left in League Two - because of Phil, his groundstaff, fifty volunteers and a whole lot of sweeping.  Respect.

With the hard graft long since done - I swept into the commentary area just after two o'clock.  Media fop.

Weather

I don't really want to labour the point - but - there was snow.  Lots.  And more to come.

Food

Hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies - almost...

Away Support

Considering the weather, it wasn't a surprise that the good folk of Shropshire hadn't flocked to Spotland today - maybe 200 - probably less.

The decimated fixture list did turn up an unexpected bonus today though.  A group of Barnet fans who had been en-route to Accrington redirected to Spotland when the Crown Ground was declared un-playable.  2956 folk would watch the game today.  Taking the weather into account - not too bad.

News

Backe to basics?  So after the mystery buyers, celebrity coaches, big name signings, embarrasing departures, and surprising re-sale - what could Notts County come up with next?  Hans Backe resigns.  More from Notts County-Enders-Street-Farm next time.  Probably.

Happy Birthday.  Mr. Keith Hill and Mr. David Flitcroft celebrate their third anniversary in charge of Rochdale AFC this week.  Their present might be a bit delayed - until May-ish - with luck.      

Action

Your team for today:

GK: Heaton

Def: Kennedy(T), Stanton, Dawson, Wiseman

Mid: Atkinson, Taylor, Kennedy(J), Thompson

For: Dagnall, O'Grady

Bench: Taberner, McArdle, Flynn, Toner, Jones, Glover, Higginbotham

No changes from the side which saw off Lincoln last week - Gary Jones although fit again fails to dislodged Jason Taylor from the Rochdale midfield and once again takes his spot on the bench.  

Today see's an inconsistent Shewsbury side visit Spotland, led by sometime Dale player, manager and fan favourite Paul Simpson.  Things have changed a bit for the Shrews since their last visit to Spotland - a play-off semi final win over 'That Famous Old Club', was swiftly followed by a play-off final defeat to Gillingham and the subsequent departure of Grant Holt to Norwich City.  This season has seen the Shrews beat Rotherfield and hold Notts County-Enders-Street-Farm to a hard fought draw - but lose to Darlington and fail to find a way past Grimsby last weekend.  Which team would turn up today was anyone's guess.

With Spotland wreathed in freezing fog, Mr. Shoebridge indicated the start of proceedings.  The weather had obviously heard the whistle as well - because it began to snow. 

In recent weeks I haven't reflected on exactly what it is like to watch Rochdale these days.  Put it this way - trying to commentate on it is a nightmare.  The ball fairly zips from man to man - there is barely time to draw breath as one-touch pass follows one touch pass.  However, the pretty passing belies a deeper truth - this must be the fittest Rochdale side I have ever seen.  The running on and off the ball is tireless and unremitting.  I guess the passing becomes easy when there is always someone moving into a position to receive the ball.  The critical ingredient isn't the nice passing or the tireless running though - it is the desire.  Every man in a Rochdale shirt wants the ball - all the time.  I have said it before - and I will say it again - this is just the best Dale side I have ever seen.

As the snow thickened Shrewsbury realised a deeply unpleasant truth.  They were hoplesly outclassed.

After just eight minutes the gulf in quality told.  A less than perfectly delivered corner from Tom Kennedy, was flicked on at the near post and found Craig Dawson.  The young defender unleashed a finish that would not look out of place from an exotic and probably highly expensive striker.  Sometime Dale loanee David Button in the Salop goal could do nothing to stop it .  1-0 Dale!

The snow was fairly tipping down by now.  The biggest concern was that Mr. Shoebridge might call the game off.  Heart's were in mouthes when he advanced toward the dugout's - but relief swept Spotland when it became clear he was only seeking to change the white ball for a yellow one.

Dale pushed for more, Dagnall lashing the ball accross the face of goal from inside the area - but it would take until minutes before half time for Dale to reinforce their lead.  

On thirty eight minutes Dagnall romped down the Shrews left, cut inside an laid the ball into the path of O'Grady.  O'Grady flicked the ball up and volleyed it from the edge of the area past Button's despairing dive .  The finish was almost contemptuous.  2-0 Dale!

Just before the break the Shrews generated their first real effort on goal.  From a short free-kick, Devitt lashed an effort just millimeters north of the bar.

Halftime arrived and I too realised an unpleasant truth.  Due to the cold, I had lost all feeling in my legs.  Desperate measures were required.  With Mr. Culshaw doing the talking we parlayed our way into an executive box.  This was a welcome first for me.  It was warm and hot drinks were free and plentiful.  Had we only arrived a few minutes earlier we could have been supping mulled wine and scarfing down mince pies.  Still, I wasn't complaining - my legs had resumed normal service.

The snow continued unabated as Mr. Shoebridge indicated the restart.  If anything Dale upped their game.  Just eight minutes in Rochdale extended their lead.  Another Tom Kennedy corner found Dawson loitering with intent.  His header found Button unprotected and unprepared.  3-0 Dale!

On the seventy minutes the rout was complete.  Tom Kennedy's free-kick squirmed through the wall - Button reacted well and punched clear - but only as far as O'Grady.  The finish was emphatic.  4-0 Dale!

Having been little better than spectators throughout the game, in the last twenty minutes Shrewsbury produced their first efforts on target.  Neither seriously troubled Heaton.

At somewhere around this point Mr. Culshaw got swept away with the excitement of the scoreline and the quality of Dale's performance and announced to the listening public that this was 'The Season'.  He didn't actually say the 'P' word - but he was just about as close as you can get without uttering the word out loud.  

As Mr. Shoebridge indicated full time and the PA requested volunteers to help put the pitch covers back on - I am guessing that a few Dale fans were thinking about thinking about whispering the 'P' word to a close family member.  Possibly in a locked room.

Speak You Brains

Your cast for today: Me

Seven points clear now.

Shrewsbury aren't a bad side - but today they were made to look very, very ordinary.  Dale simpy swept them aside. 

I won't go as far as saying this is The Season - but this is the best Dale team I have seen - ever.  What happens next is anyone's guess 

O'Grady moves onto 11 for the season, Dawson moves onto 8.

Dale will sweep into 2010 top of League Two.  Merry Christmas everyone.            

Bye, bye monkey

Rola-Cola Sposored English League Two

Lincoln City FC 1 - 3 Rochdale AFC

Journey

I have a serious problem.  I have a monkey on my back.  It has been there for over ten years.  It is called Lincoln.

Through bad luck, work and an ill-starred flirtation with golf I have never seen Rochdale win against Lincoln.  Never.  I have seen lots of draws and a number of narrow defeats -  I was lucky enough to miss the 7-1 demolition of Dale at Sincil Bank in 2006.  Lincoln City Football Club are the monkey on my back... and I am not alone.  Mr. Keane has exactly the same problem - although he had the good sense not to bother with golf.  In fairness, he did try to warn me.

I hadn't planned to go to Lincoln - based on the history, what was the point? - in any case, I went last year (another draw).  But then Bradford happened - and then Macclesfield - and after a quick glance down the league table I made my mind up.  I was going.  I suspect Mr. Keane was thinking along similar lines - after a phone call on Thursday - he was in as well.

...and so it was the Mr. Keane, Keane Jnr (six weeks without a game for the Littleborough Yellow's due to sodden pitches) and myself set forth for Lincolnshire at 11.30.

With Mr. Keane's Sat Nav, Mary, leading the way and Mr. Keane conducting a scientific study into the performance and handling characteristics of a hire car (the HMS Zafira had been subject to an unfortunate collision) - coversation turned to the other monkey on our back's.  January.

Allow me to un-roll for you a selection of fibs, outright lies, speculations and newspaper gabble - with commentary:

Oldham will not extend O'Grady's loan.  Having realised that COG is not the beast of burden they had widely quoted him as - Latics ask Rochdale to reach for your cheque book!

Tom Kennedy unhappy at Dale - wants to move.  Bury fan's still smarting over 'that' goal celebration.

Dagnall to Norwich - Whaley plus cash in return.  Whilst out with Keith Hill and Dave Flitcroft last week - Simon said 'no comment' to our roving reporter.

Buckley to Hull - Atkinson plus cash in return.  I can't spot the difference - and big dobs of Premiership cash as well - super!

Dawson to Tottenham. Not if his mum has anything to do with it - it's full of 'funny' folk that London is.

Buckley to Coventry - A Specials gig at Spotland and cash in return.  Where do we sign!?!

In short - nonsense.  Something will happen - goodness knows what.  This monkey will cling on for a while.

We arrived in Lincoln, Mary went mad, we drove round in circles for a bit, parked up, walked round in circles for a bit and then found Sincil Bank - hiding behind some houses.

Weather

Clear skies and arctic temperatures.

Food

Having massively 'over-pied' last week - nothing.  Free coffee at half time for the press though - Spotland take note.

Ground

Tidy.  The Lincoln Echo stand is a bit of a funny one though - straddling the halfway line, it is only half the length of that side - so there are two much smaller stands snuggled up next to it.  Considering the biting cold - probably not a bad idea.

What was warming however, was the sight of 500 Dale fans - including a platoon of festive Santa's.

Actually getting to the commentary positions was a bit of a trial - I had to collect my ticket from one end of the ground - and then walk to the other end to get in.  All a bit odd.  I finally caught up with Mr. Culshaw and was ushered to my thoughtfully prepared seat.  After Bradford where I was used as a storm barrier - today I would be acting as a sun visor for my illustrious colleague

News

Black and white and red all over.  Notts County have been sold - again.  You coldn't make it up.

Beat the bullet.  Keith Hill avoided the acursed manager of the month award.  Ronnie Moore at Rotherfield swept up the silvery cola bottle.  Best of luck with that Ronnie.

Action

Your team for today:

GK: Heaton

Def: Kennedy(T), Stanton, Dawson, Wiseman

Mid: Atkinson, Taylor, Kennedy(J), Thompson

For: Dagnall, O'Grady

Bench: Taberner, McArdle, Flynn, Toner, Jones, Glover, Higginbotham

Just one change, Thompson in for Higginbotham.  With a settled Dale side rolling into the game on the back of four straight wins, the chilling sound of an air-raid siren thundering around Sincil Bank and the mercury plummeting in the thermometer - was today finally going to be the day?  Would Mr. Keane and I finally shed the monkey?

It didn't look good to start with.  Lincoln had clearly paid heed to Burton and Accrington's performances against Dale - and sought to crowd and stifle Rochdale at every turn.  Dale had more of the ball - but against a resolute Imp's line-up - few real opportunities presented themselves.

On 23 minutes, it looked a lot worse.  A Rochdale corner came to nothing and Lichaj picked up the clearance.  With the Dale defence scattered and disorganised the young American carved his way upfield - running almost box to box.  With Rochdale's defenders drawn to the Aston Villa loanee he realeased a millimeter perfect pass into the path of fellow Villa loanee Chris Herd.  With the defence wrong footed Herd only had Heaton to deal with - a clinical strike left the Dale keeper with no chance.  1-0 Lincoln.

Thirteen minutes later Dale were level.  Tenacious work from Atkinson released Wiseman who bucaneered forward before swinging a pacy cross into the box where O'Grady lept on the gift and smashed the ball past Rob Burch from the edge of the six yard box.  1-1!

As halftime drew close it seemed that Thompson's cute looping header from just inside the area had caught Burch off his line and pushed Dale into the lead - but frantic back pedalling by the Lincoln keeper allowed him to tip the ball over.  But it was a corner for Dale.  Tom Kennedy floated the ball in - Dawson romped into the area - his bullet header left Burch powerless to intervene.  2-1 Dale!

Halftime put in it's customary appearance and as the assembled press attempted to keep warm the talk was about events elsewhere.  Everton were putting up a spirited fight against Chelsea,  Bolton were giving City a run for their (not inconsiderable) money and Bradford were making Rotherfield's afternoon less than comfortable - but the big news was second place Bournemouth.  At halftime thery were already 3-0 down at Morecambe.  At this rate - Dale could be four points clear at the end of today.

On the subject of monkeys - you may recall at Bradford we voted Michael Simpkins as Dale's worst ever player.  Truly a monkey on Dale's back if ever there was one.  We also revealed that he is still playing - for Retford United.  Retford is just down the road from Lincoln - we passed it today.  But the coincidences didn't end there - in the last couple of weeks Roch Valley Radio have added a correspondant at FC United games to the coverage of Rochdale and Bury matches - today FC United's opponents were Retford United - and yes - Simpkins was playing.  Apparently he was quite good.  Retford were leading by halftime.

The second half began under a blood red sunset - but despite the dramatic backdrop the second period was something of a non-event.  Dale kept the ball quite nicely, Lincoln harried - but with less conviction than at the start of the first half and then, just on the hour Dale got a third.

A nicely choreographed free kick saw Tom Kennedy slide the ball wide to Dagnall.  As the wall tried to work out what was happening, Dagnall crossed to the back post where Thompson had the simple task of tapping the ball over the line.  3-1!

For the remaining half hour Dale made pretty triangle's around the slightly disinterested Imp's.  Lincoln threatened little and rarely.  As the clock ran down and the mercury sank even lower Chris O'Grady teed up an effort from twenty yards which looked to have Burch beaten - but it hammered off the bar and bounced away to safety.

Speak Your Brains

Your cast for today: Mr. Keane, Keane Jnr and myself

In the end Bournemouth were on the wrong end of a 5-0 rout.  Dale are four points clear at the top of League Two.

Retford United beat FC United 4-2.  Michael Simpkins had a good game.

Today marks a club record five consecutive away wins for Dale.

At the end of some exhaustive testing by Mr. Keane - I can confirm that a hire car is the fastest best handling car in the world.  Fact.

During the somewhat event free second half, Mr. Culshaw made a heart stoppingly exciting point:  Whatever happens next Saturday - Dale will be top of League Two on Christmas day.  I don't think this has ever happened before.

Mr. Keane and I saw Rochdale beat Lincoln.  Bye, bye monkey.

BE HERE NOW

Rola Cola Sponsored English League Two

Rochdale AFC 3 - 0 Macclesfield Town FC

Journey

It's 1pm there or there abouts.  I'm sat in the Studds Bar with Mr. Keane and Keane jnr.  The Bradford game is playing on the big screen.  It's been on for about half an hour.  Including our little group there are maybe twenty people watching.  With no audio commentary, the sound down low and just the clink of glasses and muttered conversation to fill the big empty space - you might be forgiven for thinking it was a wake.  

Odd.  

I was there on Tuesday night when nearly 700 voices shook Valley Parade.  The night that Dale went top of the league.  I had thought the Studds would be packed to the rafters with those who weren't lucky enough to get over to 'that Yorkshire' to watch the game. 

I'm not going all Dale-ier than thou on you - people have stuff to do on a Saturday - I know this.  I just thought it would be like Tuesday Night all over again.  I suppose I was a bit disappointed. 

As we watched Dale romp to a highly deserved win, the conversation turned to January.  It is no secret that due to the club's knife edge finances that Dale will proabably be forced into selling at least one player when the transfer window opens.  This current Rochdale team is the best line-up that Mr. Keane and I have ever seen - to see it flogged off to the highest bidder, especially after Tuesday night - would be heartbreaking.

So, what can be done to stop it.  Buy Goldbond tickets?  Maybe.  Buy Christmas raffle tickets? Perhaps.  Buy a replica shirt? Sure, why not.  The real answer is however astonishingly simple - consider this:

Blackburn. Population: 105,085. Average attendance at Ewood Park: 25,000 (est)

Bolton.  Population: 139,403.  Average attendance at the Reebok: 21,888

Burnley.  Population: 73,500.  Average attendance at Turf Moor: 20,313

Oldham.  Population: 103,544.  Average attendance at Boundry Park: 5,258

Rochdale. Population: 95,796.  Average attendance at Spotland: 2,723*

Even the Latics can command 5% of their local population.  Dale manage less than 3%.  Just imagine 5% of the population of Rochdale turning up at Spotland.  Average attendance 4790.  An extra 2000 or so souls for home games.  Based on a guess, assume the average ticket is £16 - thats an extra £32,000 for each home game.  23 home games = £736,000 extra per season .  An extra £736,000 per season = no fire sale every January.

You want goals?  Dale have scored 10 in their last five home league games.  The football is a joy to watch, the pies are awesome and there is plenty of room.  7,000 people turned up for the play-off semi-final vs. Darlington.  17,000 went to Wembley.  We know you are out there...

People of Rochdale - BE HERE NOW!

As if on cue - Mr. Keane's latest convert to the cause, Mr. Calman, arrived.    

* No, I don't know these figures off the cuff.  I used Wikipedia and Soccerbase when I got home - just like everybody else...  

Weather 

Rochdale weather - cold and grey - it poured down later.

Food  

After months of drought - the storm broke - meat and potato pie, times two.  As I said - awesome.

Away Support

The minibus waited through the whole game - at no extra charge - which was nice.

Dale aren't the only ones struggling to get bums on seats.

News

Done a Delia. Rochdale Chairman, Chris Dunphy, was on the Official Rochdale site in the week asking the simple question - well, where are you then?!  It was stirring stuff - but he didn't quote loads of fascinating stats about northern towns or tie in an Oasis album title.  So I expect that no-one paid any attention.

The idiot lantern shineth.  The Rochdale vs. Bury game has been moved to the evening of Monday 1st February 2010 to allow those nice folks at Sky (and more importantly their lovely cash) to show the game, live on the telly box.  Expect more coverage of old men eating pies and patronizing remarks about dark, satanic mills.

You Yellows? If you were wondering why there has been no coverage of the Littleborough Yellows in a while - it's because they haven't played in over a month due to waterlogged pitches.  Good job we've got the gloal warming, isn't it...  

Action

Your team for today:

GK: Heaton

Def: Kennedy(T), Stanton, Dawson, Wiseman

Mid: Atkinson, Taylor, Kennedy(J), Higginbotham

For: Dagnall, O'Grady

Bench: Taberner, McArdle, Flynn, Hogan, Toner, Jones, Glover

Apart from the enforced change of Thompson for Higginbotham, caused by the young winger's injury on Tuesday night, it was pretty much as you were for Dale.

Top of the league Dale face off against a Macclesfield side who haven't won a game in weeks.  It was a similar situation for last season's visit of the Silkmen.  Dale weren't top - but they were coming off the back of a run of good wins - then a gritty performance from a similarly struggling Macc side saw the men of Cheshire come away with an unlikely but deserved point.  Long and short - the visit of Macc Town had 'unfortunate slip up' written all over it.  Still, Dale had been top for a few days - it was good while it lasted.

The secret of Macc's success last time around was the towering presence of Nat Brown.  This time the Silkmen fielded the equally titanic Ricky Sappleton and Hamza Bencherief as well as Brown.  The presence of these three giants certainly seemed to be causing Dale some discomfort in the opening exchanges.  Rochdale had chances including an oh so nearly for Dagnall from about a yard, but Macc were firmly holding their ground.  The opening quarter of an hour was pretty inconclusive.

In the next fifteen minutes both Sappleton and Bencherief left the field.  Sappleton, following a ill-judged challenge from Stanton left him hobbling.  Stanton justly went in the book for his trouble.  Bencherief, afyer what looked like a pretty inoccuous challenge from Jason Kennedy left him writhing in agony.  He was stretchered off after some delay.  Kennedy, probably harshly, would also go in Mr. Cook's book.

The enforced changes clearly upset the Macc game plan.  Within minutes - Dale had taken the lead.  Some muscular forward play from O'Grady disposessed a dithering Tremarco near the touchline.  The resulting cross was perfect, Atkinson's close range finish was clinical.  1-0 Dale!

Three minutes later Dale doubled their lead.  A surging run from Higginbotham produced a slightly wayward pass which Brisley seemed to have well covered - but his clearance cannoned off O'Grady and flew into the area where an oddly positioned Scott Wiseman produced a centre forward's finish from close range.  2-0 Dale!      

With Higginbotham running the defenders ragged and Macc finding no real answer to O'Grady's strength and movement - more goals seemed likely.  But in spite of a flurry of attempts in the closing minutes - 2-0 it remained.

During half time it finally dawned on me that something was a bit wrong.  Precisely what kit were Dale wearing today?  Shorts and socks from the home kit - with the purple away shirt.  A quick ask around the press box revealed that Mr. Cook had felt that Dale's stylish black and blue stripes would clash with Macc's wasp inspired ensemble.  The fact that it took me 45 minutes to spot it is a bit of a worrier though.  Can a tweed hat and an inexhaustible supply or Werther's Originals be far away?

The half sometimes known as second was a more measured affair.  Dale seemed happy enough to hold Macc at bay and counter when the opportunity presented itself.  That said, things were pretty uneventful until around seventy minutes when Shaun Brisley's already unfortunate afternoon get a whole lot worse.  After Dagnall had released O'Grady at the edge of the area - Brisley dragged him to earth and Mr. Cook once again produced his book - after indicating that Mr. Brisley could get a head start on the post match bath situation.

The most recent of Dale's special guest stars, Danny Glover, came on for Dagnall on seventy five and almost scored with his first significant touch.  However, his volley from Tom Kennedy's cross flew straight into the arms of Johnny Brain.

Just when it seemed that we were done - Atkinson lashed a cross into the Macc area where for the third time an unmarked Dale player loitered.  This time it was Taylor - there has clearly been some shooting practice on Bowlee this last week - the finish was immaculate.  3-0 Dale!

There was barely time to restart before Mr. Cook closed procedings.

Speak Your Brains

Your cast for today: Me (Messers Keane & Calman had parties to go to and need to rush off to get their frocks on)

No Slip up this afternoon.  An almost surgical performance.  Good to see Higginbotham in the side and playing well.  O'Grady was pretty well unstopable - his man of the match award was well deserved.

It did seem that Dale might open a gap of four points to second place at one point this afternoon - but Bournemouth picked up a win through a Dunfield own goal against Shrewsbury.  Dale stay top by one point - but are now seven points clear of fourth placed Notts County.

People of Rochdale. If not you - who?  If not now - when?  BE HERE NOW...  

Look Mum! Look!

Rola Cola Sponsored English League Two

Bradford City FC 0 - 3 Rochdale AFC

Journey

McDonalds.  Somewhere in Bradford. 

If you thought sports journalism was all limo's, caviar and exotic ladies.  It isn't.  Mostly it involves several large men packed into a small car schlepping along some motorway or other, food is of the 'fast' variety and as for the ladies - that must have been going on somewhere else.  It is not in any way glamorous.  That said, from time to time, it can be absolutely brilliant - but more of that later.

So, back to McDonalds.  You might suspect that with five football journalists together and a big game in the offing - Dale could go top of the table with a win tonight - there would be a furious debate about formations, tactics and the merits of zonal vs man marking. If you did think that, you would be disappointed.  The discussion was actually about 'The Worst Dale Player's Ever'.  This is a pretty fertile area for discussion - as you can appreciate. 

Richard Green - signed-on, got injured, never actually played.

Simon Coleman - the architect of Dale's 7-1 hammering by Shrewsbury in 2001.

Tommy Jasczun - where to begin on this one?

Warren Goodhind - had his own section in most referee's notebook.

There were plenty more besides - plenty more.   Graham Lancashire was briefly considered - but despite only playing 1 game in 4 due to an eye sprain or similar -  he was excluded because when he did play he was actually quite good and a bit of a character. 

The undisputed winner - by miles - no dissenting voices on this one - was Michael Simpkins.  A left back by trade (although trading standards may have a word or two to say about that), this man gave each and every one of us hope that our naive dreams of a career as a  professional football may not be quite dead.  He spent much of his time at Dale enjoying an early bath, creating goals for the opposition by never being quite where he was meant to be or offering Dale fans 'out in the carpark' for questioning his ability (this was during a game).  The most amazing thing is - he is still playing, for Retford Town.  Michael Simpkins - we salute you.   

With burgers consumed and after a brief delay for Mr. Jones to finish his complimentary 'student' McFlurry - we squeezed back into Mr. Culshaw's car and headed for Valley Parade.

Weather

Winter really arrived today.  A heavy frost this morning and frigid temperatures for the rest of the day.  As Messers Ashworth, Culshaw, Jones and Sharples assembled at the club shop - you would be forgiven for thinking that the Wombles had reformed.  Sweaters, cardy's, big coats, scarves, gloves and hats were heavily in evidence.  Snow was a distinct possibility. 

But as is the way of things - we had all got it wrong.  An oilskin and a souwester would have been more appropriate - it absolutely tipped it down.

Food

Not meat and potatoe pie tonight - cherry bakewell's.  There was loads in the press room - and doughnuts and french fancies.  I made a bit of a pig of myself.  The best part was that having cleared the plates - a nice lady called Margaret popped out from behind her counter and layed out more.  To be honest It was a mercy when the game got started.

Ground 

It will be brilliant when it's finished. 

Half of the ground is propper Premier League quality - the other half kind of isn't.  That said, with 11,000 home fans cheering the Bantams on you got some sense of the glory days at Valley Parade - when Man U and co were regular guests.  Tucked away in a corner were about 700 Dale fans - they gave it their best - but being outnumbered better than 10-1 - they struggled to make themselves heard.

News

Revolving doors.  Keltie returned from Chester and Shaw returned from Barrow, unfortunately due to the new revolving doors which have been installed at Spotland - they were ejected in the general direction of Gateshead.

Hokey Cokey #2.  After a handfull of brief and slightly forgettable outings for Scot Spencer and Marcus Manga on non-contract terms, they were both extended the opportunity to be elsewhere.  Everyone at May Contain Football wishes them luck in their future endeavours.  In their stead, Vale Park fan favourite Danny Glover (no, not that one) has joined Dale on a one month loan.

It's Back.  Keith Hill has once again been nominated for the 'looks like a soft drink bottle - but in silver' award - sometimes known as the League Two manager of the month award for November.

Action

Your team for tonight:

GK: Heaton

Def: Wiseman, Stanton, Dawson, Kennedy(T)

Mid: Thompson, Taylor, Kennedy(J), Atkinson

For: Dagnall, O'Grady

Bench: Taberner, McArdle, Flynn, Hogan, Toner, Jones, Glover

Just two changes from the side which saw off Notts County last week.  Kennedy returned from suspension and slotted in at left full back and Thompson replaced the once again injured Buckley.

As the rain rolled in over an already boggy Valley Parade pitch Dale steeled themselves for a potentially tough game.  Bradford had swept a timorous Dale team aside in this fixture last season and shown themselves to be no stranger to the physical aspects of the game in the return tie - although Dale won handsomely.  Add to that Rochdale's habit of getting a nose bleed when chances to top the division have presented themselves before and you will understand why Dale's recent good form was far from my mind as Mr. Foster got things started.

It started very evenly.  Evans for Bradford getting into good positions and enjoying good service from Dale old boy Simon Ramsden playing in a unfamilliar wing-back role.  Rochdale would have early chances through Dagnall.  A touch to many from Daggers saw a shot blocked out by the Bantams defence and minutes later Dagnall appeared to have the goal at his mercy when the ball unexpectedly disappeared down a divot in the sodden 18 yard box - leaving Dagnall five yards ahead of the ball and somewhat non-plussed.

For all of Bradford's tidy forward play - their defence looked distinctly shaky - typified by Dagnall's next chance.  A poor clearance from Williams fell to the feet of Dagnall just inside the Bantam's half, a burst of pace undid Rehman and Dagnall's scuffed shot flew through Eastwood's legs and into the back of the net.  1-0 Dale!

Minutes later Reham found himself outmuscled by Dagnall - and spotting Eastwood off his line the Dale striker tried a dipping long range shot - but with the keeper beaten his effort went well over.

In case you were wondering - Chris Dagnall wasn't the only man on the pitch - it just seemed that way.  With the half hour approaching he was in the think of it again.  O'Grady's cross found him almost unmarked in the area.  Eastwood paried his first strike - but only back into the prowling strikers path - Dagnall's improvised finish bounced over the sprawling Eastwood and into the unguarded goal.  2-0 Dale!

In what seemed like a heartbeat Joe Thompson had the ball in the net - but a questionable off-side decision spared Bradford further blushes.  The half played out with further efforts from Dagnall, another from Thompson and O'Grady and Atkinson also went close.  But for Eastwood's gymnastics - the Bantam's could have been in a world of trouble.  Heaton had barely had a save to make all half.

As I bounded into the press room at half time a Bradford official commented that it was like watching a cup tie - against a team from a higher division. 

This was all going rather splendidly - Bournemouth were losing to Barnet meaning that Dale would be top tonight provided the Cherries didn't turn things around.  I toddled off in search of Margaret and her cake tin a very happy man indeed.

Bradford elected to retire Zesh Rehman from the action at the start of the second period - replacing him with Bateson.  The change seemed to make a difference.  Bradford poured forward at every opportunity assisted by a powerful gale at their backs and the words of a furious Stuart McColl no doubt ringing in their ears - the first ten minutes of the half were played almost exclusively on the fringes of Dale's penalty area.  Despite the pressure - not a single serious effort materialised for the Bantams. 

With the hour mark approaching Higginbotham - who had replaced a limping Thompson - picked up the ball on the right and released Dagnall with a neat pass.  Dagnall rounded the last defender - but his shot was well blocked away by Eastwood.  Sadly for Eastwood - only as far as O'Grady.  At full stretch the on-loan Oldham man lashed the ball past the stranded keeper.  3-0 Dale!

Bradford head's dropped.  Dagnall and Higginbotham could have extended the lead still further - Higginbotham going closest when one on one with Eastwood, but his shot squirmed wide of the post.

Mr. Foster finally saw fit to bring matters to a close.  The Bradford fans - who, in spite of the performance, had been 100% behind their team throughout the game - began to drift away with thoughts of a takeaway supper in mind.  But over in a corner of one stand no-one was moving.  700 people were on the feet - once I removed my headphones, I understood why - the ground of Yorkshire was shaking to this charming old hymn:

WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE! SAID WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE!  WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE! SAID WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE! WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE! SAID WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE!

For the first time in eight years, it's really happened. 

Speak Your Brains

Your cast for tonight: Mr. Culshaw, Mr Ashworth, Mr. Sharples, Mr. Jones and myself.

We discovered a slight flaw in the admittedly handsome main stand at Valley Parade.  It has no end on it - meaning that the rain blows straight in.  Mr. Culshaw spent much of the game shielding the broadcasting gear and I spent most of the game shielding Mr. Culshaw.  As I said, not glamorous.

Dagnall was absolutely awesome tonight - but praise also goes to Jason Taylor who seems to have found his feet in the side and bossed the midfield for Dale tonight.  The oft maligned Joe Thompson was also worthy of praise - the Bantam's left back didn't know whether he was coming or going for much of the game.

Bournemouth managed a draw in the end - meaning Dale top the table by one point.  OK, there are 27 games to go - and a lot will happen betwen now and May - but until Saturday at the very least, Rochdale AFC are top of League Two. 

We agreed on celebratory kebabs when we got home - apparently when kebabs are eaten in celebration they are completely calorie free.  The god news just keeps on coming.