Rochdale AFC 1 - 1 AFC Bournemouth
Journey:
So, what has been going on since Gillingham? Exit from the Football Association Challenge Trophy. I would attempt to sound disappointed - but I am not. Don't get me wrong, I never like to see Dale lose - but I have priorities. The lottery that is cup football is a distant second to escaping the gravity of the football league's bottom rung.
So what else?
Snow. Lots of snow - and ice. The brief outbreak of arctic conditions caused chaos on Britain's roads and saw a rare appearance of Littleborough on national television and ultimately the postponement of my planned visit to the North East.
My disappointment was somewhat tempered by the fact that Soccer AM would be showing Rochdale in action for the 'Crossbar Challenge'. This had been built up a bit. The rumour is that it was six out of six for the Dale. I never found out. A rather shame faced production lacky was wheeled in front of the camera to apologise for losing the videotape of the action.
Sadly GMTV didn't suffer similar difficulties - a few headlines on the subject of benefit claimants being obliged to work for their money - saw a GMTV outside broadcast van beating a path to Falinge as fast as it's little wheel's would turn.
It had been a busy fortnight. Today would be a busy day.
This morning I had watched the Littleborough Yellow's overcome Little Lever 8-1 in a cup fixture - and after a little light Christmas shopping I was waiting for Mr. Keane to take me to the game.
...and then the phone rang.
It was Mr. Culshaw. Apparrently he was short of a co-commentator for this afternoons radio coverage of the game - would I be interested in stepping into the breach? I spent all of a second thinking about that one.
Half an hour later and I am stood outside the entrance to the main stand.
Weather:
The continuation of the cold snap had meant that not one, but two pitch inspections had been called for in the last 24 hours. However, a slight rise in temperatures accompanied by heavy rain meant that the pitch had defrosted sufficiently to let the game go ahead. Unfortunately, the rain carried on, and on, and on.
Food:
No time for food today. My late call up meant I was hustled through a side door as Mr. Culshaw attempted to explain the finer details of radio commentary. I was so busy trying to absorb what he was saying that It didn't dawn on me until after the fact that I had just walked down the players tunnel.
Away Support:
Due to the doubts over the condition of the pitch few had elected to make the trip from Dorset. Perhaps 100. Pretty quiet throughout - probably catching up on some much needed sleep after their marathon journey.
Action:
Safely ensconced in my commentary position I looked over the team sheet. Wiseman and Jones remained unavailable through injury, Thorpe and Thompson would also be unavailable today and McArdle would be serving a single game suspension having collected a fifth yellow card at Gillingham.
Ramsden would come in at right back, Holness would partner Stanton at centre half, Keltie and Toner would marshall the middle with Rundle and Buckley on the wings. McEvilliy on his third Spotland debut would partner St. Adam up front.
In an unyeilding downpour Mr. Laws got procedings underway.
Bournemouth's predicament near the foot of the league largely dictated the first half. Their 17 point deduction during the summer meant that they had only broken into a positive points balance last week. In short they had come to avoid losing the game at all costs. Rochdale probed, but found their efforts vigorously repulsed by a gritty rearguard from the Dorset side. Dale forged a handful of half chances but frantic defending from the Cherries ensured that no breakthrough was possible.
Borrnemouth for their part were content to contain and break producing some attractive football without any significant threat. Their best effort would come from a 40 yard free kick which almost deceived Russell and forced an athletic save which required two attempts to make safe.
With the first half ebbing away it seemed that neither side would prevail. Then with the seconds bleeding away, the Cherries got an early Christmas present. Holness was adjudged to have brought Tubbs down in the box and Bournemouth had a penalty. There was more than a whiff of off-side as the ball was played into Tubbs - but Mr. Laws waved away the objections. Lee Badbuy (or is that Bradbury?) made no mistake from the spot. 1-0 Bournemouth.
As Mr. Laws indicated half time it seemed that the Cherries game plan was working perfectly.
In the interval I could reflect on my first outing as a match commentator. I had followed Mrs. Eden-Maughan's advice faithfully:
- Don't swear
- Don't go mental
However, to be honest it was one of the most nerve wracking experiences of my life. Thinking of something sensible and worthwhile to say is not easy - especially for me. I had plumbed the depths of every football cliche ever used - I had only just stopped short of: 'McEvilly's great strength, is his strength'. It was however a very close run thing.
So to the second half...
Whilst it could be argued that on the balance of play that Bournemouth's lead was unjust - Dale had simply not done enough in the first period to force the issue. Rundle and Buckley had shown flashes of brilliance - but never enough to really test Bournemouth. The concern was that Rochdale were simply out of ideas.
Rochdale started more purposefully than in the first period but the resolute Cherries rearguard ensured that Dale would remain frustrated. With no obvious way through, Dale elected to ring the changes. Shaw took the field for the slightly jaded looking McEvilly and moments later Dagnall would replace Rundle. Four minutes later, Dale were back in the tie.
Some tidy interplay between Keltie and St. Adam would find LeFondre in space just inside the area. The resulting thunderbolt left the Cherries Jalal powerless to intervene as a great cloud of spray errupted from the netting. 1-1.
The goal had a curious effect. Rochdale roared forward - keen to secure the win. Bournemouth rolled ever further backwards - keen to hold onto their point. For ten minutes Rochdale pummelled the Cherries defences - but to no effect. Chances came and went amid increasingly frustrating Bournemouth gamesmanship - you would be amazed just how long it can take to despatch a free kick.
Aside of a reckless hack at Kennedy by Molesley which incurred no more than a friendly chat with Mr. Laws, the tie petered out. 1-1.
Summary:
Bournemouth will feel much the happier with this result. In spite of greater possession and more chances on goal for Rochdale - Bournemouth had engineered the style and flow of the game. They had come with a plan - and it had worked.
LeFondre had once again saved Rochdale's bacon - and in no small amount of style. McEvilly and Shaw had played their part although both looked like they lacked match fitness. Ramsden had performed well and in spite of his part in the penalty decision, Holness had aquitted himself well.
Whilst I could not argue that Rochdale had played poorly today - there was something missing. There was a certain lack of drive about the team during the game which allowed a struggling Bournemouth side to dictate an alarming amount of the play. Get well soon Jonah - we need you.
On match commentary all I can say is - it isn't as easy as it sounds. Good fun though.
Turner Watch:
Working in Kendall's - he is festive elf #3.
13/12/08
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