Automatic for the people?

Rochdale AFC 1 - 0 Morecambe FC

Journey:

I know that a small number of you look forward to the weekly update on Sudden roundabout. It is therefore with some regret that I have to inform you - it has gone. Where once there was cones, chaos and men in hi-viz jackets - there is now a traditional junction supported by a system of ruthlessly efficient traffic lights. I barely had to slow down as I swept by.

However, something odd was happening on Roch Valley Way. Traffic. A long queue of traffic heading towards Spotland.

A slow crawl upto Spotland revealed that the queue went all the way up Sandy Lane as well. What was going on here?

Having finally parked up I strolled up to the Sandy Lane turnstiles. Queues! Queues to get into the Sandy!

There is an old joke I have had levelled at me once or twice:

If you go to Spotland you will see two queues: a long one and a short one. Don't join the long one. It's for the chippy.

A swift check around ensured that I hadn't made the obvious mistake.

It seemed that Rochdale Chairman, Chris Dunphy's 'Delia Smith' moment in the Observer had paid off. 3700 souls in Spotland today - now they begin to believe.

Weather:

Stern grey skies accompanied by an icy, swirling gale.

Food:

I finally caved in. Cheeseburger and Fanta. Not bad - but it would have been better if the ketchup dispenser hadn't sprayed me instead of the burger. Mr. Turner also went for the burger/Fanta combo. As is his wont, Mr. Mitchell did not partake.

We were pleasantly surprised by a guest appearance from Mr. Jones. All the more impressive for the fact that he had recently been so horribly electrocuted - or so it seemed judging from his 'do'. Mr. Keane was an uncharacteristic no-show. Last nights get together of the Littleborough Debating and Choral Society seemed to have got the better of him.

Away Support:

100 - perhaps 150. Disappointing considering the distance from Morecambe. However, the Shirmpers really don't have anything to play for. They are safe from relegation and the glimmer of a play-off place has long since been extinguished. Fairly vocal - but a bit disinterested.

Action:

This could be tricky. Rochdale have a mathematical chance of clinching the final automatic promotion slot - but - this relies upon Rochdale winning every one of their remaining games - and - Stockport and Hereford tripping up at least a couple of times.

As I have explained, Morecambe have nothing to play for - but - they have made a creditable fist of their first season in the Football League and would have no desire to be rolled over cheaply. Teams playing for pride alone have been a stumbling block for Dale in the past - fingers crossed.

The wind played a big part in procedings making for a nervy, scrappy affair. Both Dale and Morecambe had their moments in a game of contrasting styles. Dale persisited with their pacy, passing game - the Shrimpers played a more direct, but equally exciting variety of football. In spite of the intentions of both sides neither could really dictate the game.

Good defensive work from Stanton particularly held Morecambe at bay (yes, I do realise that there is a pun in here somewhere). A string of athletic reaction saves from the Shrimpers Davies meant that Dale would go unrewarded.

As John Moss (no, not the drummer from Culture Club) indicated the interval, a strongly contested 0-0 was all we had to show.

Half time was enlivened by children playing eleven a-side, ball boys taking penalties against Desmond the Dragon and of course 'Golden Gamble'. The winning ticket was drawn by Dale legend Steve Whitehall this week. Mr. Turner recently took part in a charity game against a Dale old boys team - Mr. Turner was marking Mr. Whitehall. Things did not go well. Let's leave it that Mr. Whitehall has another matchball to add to his collection.

In between frantically seeking updates on the Hereford and Stockport scores there was time left over to speculate on why Morecambe's club mascot is a large red cat. I mean come on. What was wrong with a big shrimp?

A slightly better affair in the second half. Both sides having come to terms with the conditions. Still a pretty open game with chances at both ends. It did seem for all the world that Dale and Morecambe would simply cancel one another out and we would see a rare 0-0 at Spotland.

A slightly below par Rundle made way for Muirhead on 62 and just four minutes later Dale were in the lead. Jones set up USS Howe on the edge of the six yard box who unleashed a blockbuster of a shot which - in spite of the best efforts of a diving Shrips defender on the line - found it's way into the back of the net. 1-0 Dale.

The balance of the half remained open and chances continued to come for both teams especially after the introduction of Dagnall for Dale on 78. In the last few minutes Morecambe did seriously press forward and gave Dale a few nervous moments. However, as the whistle blew it was 1-0 for Dale.

Dale would leave the field to a long and deserved ovation.

Summary:

Difficult weather, difficult tie, great result. A closely fought encouter which Dale just edged. Tommy Lee in goal was good when called upon. Stanton was as always awesome. Jones and Perkins energetic as ever in the middle of the park. USS Howe can't seem to miss these days and St. Adam although goal-less played a full part.

As I drove home the news came in that both Stockport and Hereford had lost their games. Dale are up to fourth - and now you gonna belive us?

Onward to Bury.

Turner Watch:

Nice to have Mr. Turner back - it has been such a long time. His main contibution today was making Mr. Mitchell lose his rag due to Mr. Turner's over loud conversation with me about his favourite movie, 'Willow'. Who would have thought '80's sci-fi would be so controversial?

19/04/08