Back to basics

Rochdale AFC 1 - 0 Port Vale FC

Journey:

The journey back from Bournemouth had been a long and miserable one. I have heard people use the word 'inconsolable' before. I never really understood exactly what it meant until last Saturday.

Still, as the week wore on the disappointment and anguish began to fade and I remembered that there have been worse times following Rochdale AFC. Much worse times. Many much worse times.

Lets face it - even after the 'Dean Court Demolition', Dale are still fifth in the league with five games to play. A win today and with other results going Rochdale's way - they could bounce back up to third. Such is the nature of League Two this season. It is just too close to call.

Back through the mists of time, long before I became a plaything of the media, the format for match days was simplicity itself. A pre-match pint or two with Messers Keane and Mitchell and then two hours on the Sandy, just to the right of the goal, near the wonky bit of concrete that moved when you stood on it. Possibly followed by a post-match pint or two.

A simple basic formula.

After last weekend, we needed to get back to basics. I hung up my headset - cast aside the allure of the free buffet - eschewed the chance to once again gawp stupidly at Keith Hill as he made his post match utterances and met Mr. Keane for a pre-match pint in the Studds Bar. Suitibly fortified we sallied forth to meet Mr. Mitchell on the Sandy, just to the right of the goal, near the wonky bit of concrete that moves when you stand on it.

In times of trouble - go with what you know.

Weather:

After my clothing disaster at the home game vs. Barnet at the start of the season where I misjudged the balmy conditions and spent the whole game sweating like a cart horse under my big coat - I opted for a light summer shirt today. Blue skies, a few cotton wool clouds and sun! sun! sun! As I was driving to Spotland I saw leaves on the tree's - no really. Leaves!

Food:

Am I meant to be on a diet? Yes, I think I am. I'm pretty sure I agreed to it.

The good news is that this week's guest pie was diet meat and potato. Just like classic meat and potato - but only 45% fat. As I say, just like classic meat and potato - but they add the word 'only' - which is nice.

Away Support:

3-400. A decent turnout considering the Easter traffic. Maybe they were hoping that Issac Newton would intervene on their behalf again.

Action:

In the aftermath of the Bournemouth game Mr. Hill had given an uncharacteristically down beat interview which had most Dale fans hoping that anything slicy, staby or tablety had be removed from his immediate reach. In response to Mr. Hill's shell shocked summary of the trip to Dean Court - something very odd happened. A ringing endorsement of Mr. Hill, Mr. Flitcroft, the players, the staff and just about anyone connected with Rochdale AFC - from the chairman, Mr. Dunphy.

Now then, for those who follow football, getting the 'full backing of the chairman' has an ominous ring to it. Normally it can be translated as, 'I wouldn't be making any plans to redecorate your office young man'. But this time it wasn't. It was a bit more like a protective father having a word with the neighbours after his favoured son's 16th birthday party had gotten slightly out of hand and the Police, Fire Brigade and Coast Guard had to be called out.

The message was pretty clear. I'm proud of the boy. He's a good lad. Don't judge him on that alone. He will make it right. Quite touching really.

In other news, Dale keeper James Spencer has gone to Chester on an emergency loan. After his fateful 'Charge of the Light Brigade' at Edgeley Park last season - few Rochdale fans have truly forgiven him. His departure went unremarked and unquestioned.

After the events of last weekend it wasn't a surprise that Mr. Hill elected to ring the changes. Fielding would remain in goal. Marcus Holness would make a rare appearance at centre half along side McArdle. Wiseman would drop to the bench, Ramsden (hair growing back nicely now) would take his place at right full back. Kennedy kept his place at left full-back.

Toner would retain his place at centre midfield but would be partnered by Clark Keltie, Mark Jones was not even considered worthy of a place on the bench. Buckley would re-take his place on the left and in a real turn up for the books - Kallum Higginbotham would start on the right. Following a season where he has played little part for Dale and spent a good chunk of the season out on loan - perhaps this would be the chance for last season's darling to rekindle his fortunes.

In the absence of Thorpe, LeFondre (minus pink boots) and Dagnall would lead the line.

The Valiants have had a pretty indifferent season. They loiter in mid-table - there is slim danger of relegation and scant chance of the play-off's for them. From the opening whistle it was pretty clear that they would really rather just get this over with.

On the other hand, Dale had a point to make. Nothing but a win would do today. From the opening moments it was pretty clear that Messers Hill and Flitcroft had also decided to fall back on what they know best. Dale attacked.

Higginbotham and Buckley set to their task with gusto. Higginbotham in particular was causing the Port Vale defence significant issues. Dagnall and LeFondre were also getting a good deal of joy against the Vale centre backs - neither of whom were of great stature or particularly mobile.

To a soundtrack of the Noisy Boys bellowing 'Barmy Army' in a rather complicated descant, Rochdale rolled forward again and again. However, in spite of all the pressure, a Tom Kennedy freekick which the Vale keeper, Martin, nudged over the bar (to be awarded a goal kick!) and a Chris Dagnall drive which fizzed wide were all that Dale had to show for their labours. Frantic Port Vale defending and a few slices of luck were enough to keep the visitors in the tie.

The torrent of Dale attacks subsided slightly and as is the way with these things, Vale got their first serious chance on goal. A corner directed back accross goal by Taylor found McCombe in an indecent amount of space - his resulting header cannoned back of the upright with Fielding nowhere in sight.

Startled into action Rochdale rolled forward once more. Just after the half hour Higginbothom went to earth following a strong but fair challenge as he drove towards the byline. The seconds ticked by but there he remained - prone on the turf. The Physio, Mr. Thorpe, was summoned and in due course Higginbotham was carried to the touchline.

While he was being treated, Dale continued to press. On 36 minutes the breakthrough finally came. Dagnall had chased a ball which seemed to be heading out of play for a goal kick. Just at the moment where it seemed his efforts would be in vain, he stretched out a leg and hooked the ball accross the face of the goal. From all of one foot and through a combination of stomach and thigh, Buckley smuggled the ball past Martin. 1-0 Dale!

Maybe it was the release of the frustration which had built up through the week, maybe it was just relief - whatever it was, Spotland exploded. The celebrations were only slightly tempered by the sight of Higginbotham being carried back to the dug-out, clearly in pain. Thompson would replace him.

All in all a good 45 minutes from Dale. A goal to the good against a side who had offered very little and a creditable performance from all in Rochdale colours.

Half time was spent crowded around Mr. Mitchell's fancy phone trying to get the scores from the other League Two games from t'internet and trying to work out the horribly complicated maths which would reveal where Dale stood in the league. In the face of a slow internet connection and the collective mathematical capabillities of a meat and potato pie - we gave up. Rochdale could go as high as fourth was as much as we could surmise.

After the thrills and spills of the first period the second half was a far more measured affair. Vale occasionally probed forward but to little effect. Rochdale had a couple of opportunities to extend their advantage including a very late effort from Dagnall which forced a very good save from Martin. Aside of the home debut of Gary Madine and the late introduction of Port Vale fan favourite, Danny Glover, to a gale of derision from the away fans - there is little else to remark on.

1-0 Dale.

Summary:

A good first half followed by a non-event of a second half.

Dagnall had a truly exceptional game - not just for his efforts in creating the goal - his all round play, endeavour and energy throughout the game was exemplary. It was just a shame that he couldn't get himself on the scoresheet as well.

After last weekend's comprehensive hammering it was vital that Dale turn in a good performance. This was far from vintage Rochdale - but with three points in the bank, Messers Mitchell, Keane and I could tuck into our post match refreshments with renewed optimism.

Four games remain and Rochdale are fifth.

Turner Watch:

The eagle eyed amongst you will have spotted that Mr. Turner was not mentioned in my little meander down memory lane earlier. There is a reason for this. Mr. Turner was not part of the original line-up - he only joined our happy little band in the summer of 2003 after I discovered him under a pile of coats on a Stag-Do in Whitley Bay
.

In my darker moments, I wish I was not quite so inquisitive.

11/04/09