Rola-Cola Sponsored English League 2
Rochdale AFC 1 - 2 Accrington Stanley FC
Journey
Winter is on the way. Today is officially the last day of Summer. As I drove up to Spotland I noticed that the tree's that flank Sandy Lane were clad in red and orange - although the swirling wind and rain were doing a decent job of undressing them. The gutters were thick with discarded leaves.
Torrential rain, frost and snow cannot be far away.
With the balmy months of August, September and October behind us, months of winter stretch ahead. This is where the serious business of challenging for honours is sorted out - in the dark and cold of the English winter. Postponements due to bad weather can play almost as big a part in a team's fortunes as anything they may do on the pitch.
As the wind whipped at the tree's and the rain lashed at my windscreen it did occur to me that just perhaps the game may be called off today - but then as I parked up the sun came out and the skies cleared. I never expected that.
It was only just 2 o'clock but the crowds around Spotland were already building and there was a buzz in the air. Dale are third in the table - a win today could see them go first. I never expected that either.
Rochdale AFC 1 - 2 Accrington Stanley FC
Journey
Winter is on the way. Today is officially the last day of Summer. As I drove up to Spotland I noticed that the tree's that flank Sandy Lane were clad in red and orange - although the swirling wind and rain were doing a decent job of undressing them. The gutters were thick with discarded leaves.
Torrential rain, frost and snow cannot be far away.
With the balmy months of August, September and October behind us, months of winter stretch ahead. This is where the serious business of challenging for honours is sorted out - in the dark and cold of the English winter. Postponements due to bad weather can play almost as big a part in a team's fortunes as anything they may do on the pitch.
As the wind whipped at the tree's and the rain lashed at my windscreen it did occur to me that just perhaps the game may be called off today - but then as I parked up the sun came out and the skies cleared. I never expected that.
It was only just 2 o'clock but the crowds around Spotland were already building and there was a buzz in the air. Dale are third in the table - a win today could see them go first. I never expected that either.
Weather
Changeable.
Food
I didn't fancy a pie before the game when there was no queue - I just had a coffee. I really fancied one at half time - but the queue was about five miles long - so I didn't bother.
I suspect that my urge for a half time pie was driven by todays match sponsor - Clayton Park Pies - they got more than a few mentions over the PA, loads in fact. I also suspect this is why the queue was so big.
I also have a theory: the afore mentioned bakers have noticed a gaping void in their profits caused by me going 'Cold Pie' and have had to resort to panic marketing to shore up their plummeting revenues.
Away Support
3-400. An improvement on last year - but still on the low side considering that Accrington is one of our closest neighbours. With the news that they have managed to raise the £300k the Inland Revenue were demanding there was a definite party atmosphere in the Wilbutts Lane Stand today - they may not have seen a win for Stanley at Spotland since 1956, but they seemed determined to enjoy themselves.
News
Alone again. Dale Stevens and Simon Whaley have both extended their loans for another month - although it seems that Oldham and Norwich, respectively, have not given permission for them to play in the Football Association Challenge Trophy. Negotiations with Oldham over the availability of Chris O'Grady for the FAmous Cup are still ongoing.
The ballad of Jonah's legs. Club captain Gary Jones' legs have once again let him down. A hamstring injury during the win at Cleethorpes last week means he will play no part today. Injuries to Jonah are always very worrying - people throw the term club talisman around a lot - but the facts are that any sustained absence of Mr. Jones coincides with a dip in form for Dale. Get well soon Mr. Jones. Club pin-up boy Will Buckley is also sidelined - but Stanton and Wiseman have both recovered from flu and will join the bench today.
Hello, you must be going. With just a quarter of the season gone the managerial casualties continue to rack up. Following defeat to Dale last weekend, Grimsby parted company with Mike Newell. Ian McParland got his marching orders from Notts County the week before and Cheltenham's Martin Allen has been extended the opportunity to sit on the naughty step and have a good think about what he allegedly said to that doorman. With Lincoln and Northampton having already shed a manager early in the campaign it seems that League Two has become a competitive old place, with failure being given little house room. On the theme of managers, rumours that Bury manager Alan Knill may be on his way to Tranmere intensify - that said - somewhat like Keith Hill, Mr. Knill seems to be associated with every vacant management slot in Northern England. With club directors in a sack happy mood at the moment - there could be more rumours to come.
Crowd trouble. Following some comments made by Mr. Hill after the Barnet game concerning a small minority of Dale fans in the Main Stand who had been less than supportive of the teams efforts in recent weeks - a war of words broke out on various message boards. One group of fans from the Pearl Street Stand offering to 'come over' and 'sort it out' - although predictably they didn't. This really is all completely un-necessary. Being a media tart I sit in the Main Stand and I can reveal that the small minority of moaners is in fact: one bloke - who happens to sit right behind the home dug-out. He is loud enough for more - but he is just one man. Perhaps he should be asked to sit on the naughty step for a while and think about what he has done. With a suitably sincere apology all this nonsense about 'coming over' can hopefully be put to bed.
Action
Your team for today:
GK: Arthur
Def: Mc Ardle, Holness, Dawson, Kennedy(T)
Mid: Whaley, Kennedy(J), Stevens, Rundle
For: Dagnall, O'Grady
Bench: Taberner, Wiseman, Stanton, Flynn, Thompson, Manga, Spencer
Mr. Hill had decided to keep faith with the side which saw off Grimsby last weekend - which included the rare sight of Rory Mc Ardle at right fullback. He was however forced into one change due to the injury to Gary Jones - loanee Dale Stevens would deputise in central midfield for today. Jason Kennedy would take the captain's arm-band.
You have probably spotted by now that Mr. Ashworth's early season campaign of silly names for my good self has petered out - thankfully. Regretably, the presenter of Roch Valley Radio's Saturday Sport's Show, Mr. Hargreaves, has picked up the challenge:
'We now go over to Spotland for live coverage of Rochdale vs. Accrington described for you by Martin Culshaw and Richard Edam-Cheese'.
Hysterical.
Mr. Booth got things underway with Dale attacking towards the Sandy Lane End - meaning Kenny Arthur was obliged to look directly into the brilliant late Autumn sunshine. What was slightly odd about this was that as warm sunshine bathed Spotland - the floodlights were on, apparently for safety reasons. Your guess is as good as mine.
Mid: Whaley, Kennedy(J), Stevens, Rundle
For: Dagnall, O'Grady
Bench: Taberner, Wiseman, Stanton, Flynn, Thompson, Manga, Spencer
Mr. Hill had decided to keep faith with the side which saw off Grimsby last weekend - which included the rare sight of Rory Mc Ardle at right fullback. He was however forced into one change due to the injury to Gary Jones - loanee Dale Stevens would deputise in central midfield for today. Jason Kennedy would take the captain's arm-band.
You have probably spotted by now that Mr. Ashworth's early season campaign of silly names for my good self has petered out - thankfully. Regretably, the presenter of Roch Valley Radio's Saturday Sport's Show, Mr. Hargreaves, has picked up the challenge:
'We now go over to Spotland for live coverage of Rochdale vs. Accrington described for you by Martin Culshaw and Richard Edam-Cheese'.
Hysterical.
Mr. Booth got things underway with Dale attacking towards the Sandy Lane End - meaning Kenny Arthur was obliged to look directly into the brilliant late Autumn sunshine. What was slightly odd about this was that as warm sunshine bathed Spotland - the floodlights were on, apparently for safety reasons. Your guess is as good as mine.
Accrington have been a rich source of points for Rochdale since they re-joined the Football League in 2006 - Dale have not lost one of the six games prior to today - one draw, five wins - last season saw 3-1 victories both home and away. So it seemed reasonable that today would be more of the same.
The thing was, Accy had other plans.
They had clearly done their homework and no doubt watched with interest the performance that Burton had put together against Dale a few weeks ago. In a swirling gale, with leaves blowing around like confetti - Stanley set to their task.
Accy were organised, committed and aggressive. They kept the ball in the middle of the park, denying Rundle or Whaley much to work with. The Accrington centre halves, Edwards and Kempson, ensured that Dagnall and O'Grady couldn't draw breath without them knowing about it. Joyce and Procter, the Stanley centre-mid partnership, towered over Kennedy and Stevens and out muscled them in every department.
They had clearly done their homework and no doubt watched with interest the performance that Burton had put together against Dale a few weeks ago. In a swirling gale, with leaves blowing around like confetti - Stanley set to their task.
Accy were organised, committed and aggressive. They kept the ball in the middle of the park, denying Rundle or Whaley much to work with. The Accrington centre halves, Edwards and Kempson, ensured that Dagnall and O'Grady couldn't draw breath without them knowing about it. Joyce and Procter, the Stanley centre-mid partnership, towered over Kennedy and Stevens and out muscled them in every department.
Dale never really got going - and to compound their woes they found they couldn't string more than a couple of passes together. Misplaced efforts and frantic Stanley interception work meant there was no way through the red wall. All Dale had to show for their labours was a couple of long range efforts from Kennedy(J) and Whaley and a freekick from Kennedy(T) which forced a decent save from Dunbavin.
However, in spite of largely dictating the pace and style of the game, Accrington had produced few authentic efforts on goal. As normal time was about to expire - Stanley struck.
McConville whipped a freekick into the box where it flicked off the head of Dawson and into the path of Robert Grant. With Kenny Arthur struggling to get back into position, Grant nodded the ball home from a couple of yards out. 1-0 Accrington.
With the wind still howling and heavy black clouds rolling in over Spotland, Mr. Booth indicated half time.
I have discovered in the last week that our 'dancing ladies' are called Rochdale Dynamix. They duly trotted onto the pitch and performed a very energetic routine to a phat house beat. Everyone applauded enthusiastically - because I suspect they are scared. Not of the young ladies - but of their instructor - who took the opportunity to tear a strip off the Spotland faithful for their lukewarm support of her dancers via the message boards last week. Just for the record - Dynamix were actually very good and their sparkly new costumes looked great. The last thing I need is a pack of angry gymnasts hunting me down.
...and so to the half we call second.
Dale have often returned from the interval a team transformed. Sadly not today. Accrington slotted back into their groove and Rochdale struggled once again.
A cross come shot from Whaley evaded the rapidly advancing Dagnall and went out of play. Thompson who had replaced Rundle on 56 had a shot cleared off the line. The best chance of the early exchanges fell to Accrington however, Robert Grant seemingly with the goal at his mercy forcing a superb save from former Accrington man Kenny Arthur.
Dale introduced Marcus Manga for Chris O'Grady - and the little Frenchman's pace and tenacity suggested that perhaps there was a way back into the game for Rochdale.
However, Accrington continued to press and on 70 minutes while Craig Dawson was off the field to have a facial wound stitched, the pressure told. Stevens had gone up for a header with Procter - who simply shoved him out of the way. As Dale players staged a futile appeal Mr. Booth waved play-on and the ball bounced to Michael Symes who barely broke stride before launching it goalward. Arthur was off his line. From 30+ yards the ball slipped in just under the cross bar. 2-0 Accrington.
People began to leave.
As the clock wound down Dale produced a few half chances but no more than that. For their part Accy could have gone three up through another Michael Symes effort. Then just as all seemed lost Chris Dagnall picked up the ball on the edge of the area and smashed an effort through the crowd - Dunbavin saw it, but far to late to do anything about it. 2-1!
Mr Booth indicated 6 minutes of added time - people started coming back into the ground - Dale pushed - the skies went black and the rain lashed down - Accrington held firm. 2-1 Accrington. I never expected that.
Speak your brains
Your cast for today: Myself, Mr. Keane and Mr. Mitchell
With some relief we noted that due to other results - notably Bury beating Rotherham - Dale remain third.
Accrington were good value for their win - and probably should have scored more - the blatant time wasting in the second half was a little annoying - but Mr. Booth did add it all back on so fair's fair.
However, in spite of largely dictating the pace and style of the game, Accrington had produced few authentic efforts on goal. As normal time was about to expire - Stanley struck.
McConville whipped a freekick into the box where it flicked off the head of Dawson and into the path of Robert Grant. With Kenny Arthur struggling to get back into position, Grant nodded the ball home from a couple of yards out. 1-0 Accrington.
With the wind still howling and heavy black clouds rolling in over Spotland, Mr. Booth indicated half time.
I have discovered in the last week that our 'dancing ladies' are called Rochdale Dynamix. They duly trotted onto the pitch and performed a very energetic routine to a phat house beat. Everyone applauded enthusiastically - because I suspect they are scared. Not of the young ladies - but of their instructor - who took the opportunity to tear a strip off the Spotland faithful for their lukewarm support of her dancers via the message boards last week. Just for the record - Dynamix were actually very good and their sparkly new costumes looked great. The last thing I need is a pack of angry gymnasts hunting me down.
...and so to the half we call second.
Dale have often returned from the interval a team transformed. Sadly not today. Accrington slotted back into their groove and Rochdale struggled once again.
A cross come shot from Whaley evaded the rapidly advancing Dagnall and went out of play. Thompson who had replaced Rundle on 56 had a shot cleared off the line. The best chance of the early exchanges fell to Accrington however, Robert Grant seemingly with the goal at his mercy forcing a superb save from former Accrington man Kenny Arthur.
Dale introduced Marcus Manga for Chris O'Grady - and the little Frenchman's pace and tenacity suggested that perhaps there was a way back into the game for Rochdale.
However, Accrington continued to press and on 70 minutes while Craig Dawson was off the field to have a facial wound stitched, the pressure told. Stevens had gone up for a header with Procter - who simply shoved him out of the way. As Dale players staged a futile appeal Mr. Booth waved play-on and the ball bounced to Michael Symes who barely broke stride before launching it goalward. Arthur was off his line. From 30+ yards the ball slipped in just under the cross bar. 2-0 Accrington.
People began to leave.
As the clock wound down Dale produced a few half chances but no more than that. For their part Accy could have gone three up through another Michael Symes effort. Then just as all seemed lost Chris Dagnall picked up the ball on the edge of the area and smashed an effort through the crowd - Dunbavin saw it, but far to late to do anything about it. 2-1!
Mr Booth indicated 6 minutes of added time - people started coming back into the ground - Dale pushed - the skies went black and the rain lashed down - Accrington held firm. 2-1 Accrington. I never expected that.
Speak your brains
Your cast for today: Myself, Mr. Keane and Mr. Mitchell
With some relief we noted that due to other results - notably Bury beating Rotherham - Dale remain third.
Accrington were good value for their win - and probably should have scored more - the blatant time wasting in the second half was a little annoying - but Mr. Booth did add it all back on so fair's fair.
It was a foul on Stevens - really it was - but standing still to a man and waving at the referee was probably not the best approach. Nice goal though.
Highlight of the game for me - watching John Coleman vault the fence into the Main Stand when he stalked off in disgust at some decision or other. Not a young man - but surprisingly limber.
Dale weren't bad today - that would detract from Accy's achievement and seem a little peevish - Stanley simply stopped them playing the way they wanted to and dictated pretty well every aspect of the play.
Marc(us) Manga (don't know exactly when the 'US' was added) is outrageously quick and very competitive. Late in the game I saw him break into the area, barge through two men and when he was finally brought to earth he tried to continue on his knees, attempting to put the ball past Dunbavin with his face. I like that attitude.
One bright spot? Daggers scores again - 8 for the season now.
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