Oh so quiet

Rola Cola Sponsored English League Two
Rochdale AFC 1 - 3 Bradford City FC

Journey

Things I know about snow: It is cold and it is white - yeah, I know, amazing huh?  Every flake is unique - which really just shows that God has way too much time on his hands these days.  The land of the fried Mars Bar is under several feet of it and has been for months - kilts are probably unwise at the moment.  What I didn't know or had never noticed was what snow does to sound.  As I made my way to my car this evening in a swirling cloud of cold, white, uniqueness it occurred to me that it was absolutely dead quiet.  I could see cars driving past, dogs running around, youth's casing local houses - all in eerie silence.  It was like the whole town had been turned down to 1.  

Things got stranger when I hit Roch Valley Way.  I arrived at the dip near the waterworks expecting to join a massive queue.  Apart from the snow, I found that I was quite alone.  Where was the expected invasion of the Bradford massive?  According to impartial Bradford sources they brought about 9,000,000 last season - according to the message boards, they confidently expected to bring more than that this time.  Perhaps they exagerated?  Perrish the thought - It must be the wrong night - that would explain it.

Perhaps not.  The snow dancing in the floodlights above Spotland and the trickle of silent, overcoated folks trudging up Sandy Lane suggested it was the right night.  Where were the Bradford massive?

As I wandered across the carpark more silent folks padded by, maybe it was just the muffling effect of the snow but they seemed more subdued than normal and without the roar of 9,000,000 (or more) Bantams fans, it really was oh so quiet.

Weather

Cold, white, uniqueness - mostly blowing straight in my face.

Food

Well, the predicted invasion from the east may have been over stated a bit - but my trip to the pie queue did turn up one exotic visitor.  An American!  Yeah, a real live one - outside of America and everything.  He was behind me in the queue.  He asked what was on the menu.  His local guide explained that there was a choice of pies.  He repeated the word 'pies' but somehow managed to make it sound like 'intestinal parasites'.  Priceless.

Away Support

About 600 or so at kick off rising to around 1000 as the game wore on.  I guess the cold, white, uniqueness on the trip over't thill was pretty heavy.  Fair play to the ones who braved the elements.  Snow or no snow, they were not quiet.

News 

   

When I'm calling you.  Dale's loanee keeper, Frank Fielding, has been called up to the England under 21 squad for the European Championship qualifier against Greece.  Great news for Frank - although it will mean he is likely to miss the Rotherham game next week.  Beware Greeks bearing gifts.

Action

Your team for tonight:

GK: Fielding

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

Mid: Obadeyi, Taylor, Jones, Atkinson

For: Dagnall, O'Grady

Bench:  Arthur, Haworth, McArdle, Flynn, Toner, Kennedy(J), Higginbotham

After the frolics of El Classico Del Norte at the weekend something a little more sedate was in order.  Tonight's visit of Bradford City promised just that.  Bradford have had what could be politely described as a disappointing season - including a comprehensive rout at the hands of Rochdale back in December.  A good team, a massive fanbase and big aspirations could do nothing to halt their slide into the lower half of the table.  After defeat to That Famous Old Club a few weeks ago, Stuart McColl emotionally called time on his tenure at Valley Parade.  The arrival of ex-Wycombe boss Peter Taylor into the Bantam's hot seat hadn't improved things much - the weekend had seen a comprehensive defeat to Accrington Stanley.  Who are they?  I suspect Mr. Taylor knows only too well now.

In the un-natural quiet caused by God's icy handy work, 2000 or so frozen Rochdalian faces (and one American) peered through the swirling flakes in expectation of another convincing Dale victory.  Mr. Sarginson got things underway.

In spite of the change of leadership, the Bantams had lost none of their taste for the physical aspects of the game we had seen in this fixture last season and proceded to bludgeon their way forward. Just ten minutes in, their ultra direct approach payed dividends.

From a Bradford corner, Michael Flynn tested Fielding who improvised a save with his feet but as the ball cannoned back out into the melee in the penalty area, Matt Clarke stuck out a foot and via a couple of deflections - the ball arrived in the back of the net.  1-0 Bradford.

2000 voices fell silent - and it was nothing to do with the snow.  The thickening blizzard thankfully spared most Rochdalian ears from the worst excesses of the swelling Bantams support's delirious celebrations.

Dale toiled to find a way back into the game but for all their exertions could only summon up an errant shot from Gary Jones and a testing free kick from Tom Kennedy, which was well saved by Glennon.

At the other end, Bradford's energy and tenacity had the hitherto solid Dale defence scampering around like headless chickens.  Every forray forward from the Bantams seemed to threaten another goal.  Hanson, O'Brien and the mercurial Evans all had chances to tighten the Yorkshireman's grip on the tie.  Only wayward shooting saved Rochdale.

Bradford had clearly watched the video's of Dale's performances this season and had correctly deduced that silencing O'Grady was a big step towards silencing Dale.  Matt Clarke performed 'the duty' for the Bantams tonight.  It was far from pretty and mostly beyond the laws or spirit of the game - but Mr. Sarginson (no stranger to baffling decisions) saw no problem with Clarke's rough housing.

As the first half ebbed away, Clarke made one small mistake.  He allowed himself to be distracted by Dagnall.  The ball was channelled left where O'Grady found the lighter attentions of Williams much more to his liking.  Driving to the byline he outmuscled the young defender and flashed the ball to the near post where Dagnall's recent drought came to an end.  1-1!

The volume went up, Mr. Sarginson indicated the interval and Mr. Culshaw was despatched along with his considerable charm to liberate some hot soup.  A three bar electric fire would also have been welcome - but even Mr. Culshaw has limits.

I haven't mentioned the Rochdale Dynamics dance troupe for a while.  In truth I am not a massive fan of this kind of half-time frippery.  But tonight even I was obliged to applaud.  In a swirling gale, with snow bucketing down and little protection beyond a sparkly catsuit and a broad smile the girls strutted their stuff for the huddled masses.  Brave as lions.

...And so to the second half.  They may have been frozen, but the Dale players ears seemed to be a little warmer when they returned to the field.  They immediately set about righting the wrongs of the first period.  With the arrival of Higginbotham and Haworth around the hour mark Dale had fuly regained the initative.  But in spite of enjoying the majority of possession, tenacious Bantams defending limited Dale to a handfull of authentic chances, Dagnall and O'Grady going closest.

As the final ten minutes arrived and both sides appeared to have settled for a point, Luke O'Brien charged the Dale defences.  He slipped two challenges before being unceremoniously dumped to earth by Stanton.  Stanton recieved a yellow card and Bradford recieved a freekick on the edge of the area.

Enter on loan Liverpool man, Robbie Threlfall.  He'd had a quiet game to this point - not for much longer.  He lifted the ball over the wall, it dipped acutely, Fielding flapped, it cannoned back off the under side of the bar and went in off the back of Fielding's head.  2-1.

Stony, cold silence swept around Spotland.  Apart from in the away stand - where an impromptu fiesta broke out.

Seven minutes later all you could hear was the sound of feet making their way to the exits.  Dale had pushed forward, seeking another equaliser, but to no avail.  Bradford countered through the depleted defences at pace.  A ball from the left was chested down by Hanson and into the path of Gareth Evans.  He didn't even break stride.  From twenty five yards he unleashed a shot which arrowed past Fielding's groping hands and into the top corner.  3-1.

The snow had stopped by now and the celebrations in the away stand rang out across the borough long after the players had left the field.

Speak Your Brains

Your cast for tonight: Mr. Keane and me.

• Nice finish from Dagnall.
• That's about it...
• The Dale bar, scene of seething crowds, excited chatter and jovial boasts in recent months was almost empty and oh so quiet.                 

Ain't no pleasing you

Rola Cola Sponsored English League Two
Rochdale AFC 3 - 1 Dagenham and Redbridge FC

Journey

The demon drink.  It has a lot to answer for.  Perhaps it was the lack of football last weekend, perhaps it was the much anticipated arrival of the gentlemen scholars of the Royal Borough of Dagenham last night, perhaps it was the prospect of another thrilling 'El Classico' encounter  - what ever it was, the celebrations became somewhat lively.  We were finally shooed out of The Sun Hotel at a little after two this morning.

Under normal circumstances this wouldn't have been a big problem.  A bit of a lie in, a hot bath, a drive by at McDonalds, a couple of litre's of diet cola - jobs a good 'un.  Sadly none of this was possible.  I had to present a two hour radio program at 10am - and for reasons which seemed good at the time, my guests for today would be - the gentlemen of Dagenham*.  All seven of them.  Complete with rampant hangovers and a special variety of tetchiness which comes of getting less than five hours sleep.

I won't dwell too deeply on what unfolded, but a Saturday morning sports program basically turned into an unholy marriage of TISWAS and Eastenders.  For about an hour that is - after which as hangovers and tiredness took their toll, things really began to unravel.  I most sincerely apologise to my guests for the bit where I appeared to briefly doze off and then re-join the conversation at a point they had departed some moments previously.  The explanation was simple - I had briefly dozed off. The arrival of the news at noon was a mercy for all involved.

To the strains of Chas and Dave's timeless classic 'Ain't no pleasing you' we abandoned the studio to the undiluted relief of the listening public.

A hot bath, a nap, a McDonalds drive by and a litre of diet cola later I was vaguely awake and making my way to my commentary position.  At which point, I had to double check that I was actually awake.  In the seat behind mine was - Stuart Hall, quietly preparing himself for an afternoon's work.  What a pro!  I doubt I could have got myself ready with a large grinning oaf gawping at me.  To me, the man is little short of a living legend - as I was weighing up how much of an idiot I might look if I asked for his autograph - Mr. Culshaw arrived.  He was very excited.  His beloved Toffee's had pulled of a little miracle - Stretford Casuals had been put to the sword to the tune of 3-1.  The moment had passed - Stuart Hall would have to wait.

*Safety tip: never mention the 'and Redbridge' thing to a Dagenham fan.  I narrowly escaped with just a severe ticking off - for others it could be so much worse.  The story is complicated - but 'cuckoo in the nest' covers the main thrust of the issue.

Weather  

Blue sky, bright sunshine and the mercury never got out of the bulb.  Freezing.

Food   

At the last El Classico Del Norte, I was presented with a cultural gift by the Principality of Essex' Cultural Attache, Mr. Evans.  Eel's in jelly.  Thoroughly revolting.  This year he upped the anty - a jar of rollmops.  How to describe rollmops?  Picture the contents of a sealion's stomach preserved in brine and you are somewhere close.  I have put the jar on my car's dashboard to deter potential thieves.

Away Support 

Allow me to introduce the full Dagenham squad:  Mr. Evans, Mr. O'Shaughnessy, Mr. Spencer, Mr. Spencer the elder, Mr. Spencer the younger, Mr. Spencer the soldier and young Claude.  Along with about forty other extra's from Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels - that was your lot.  I gather a day of mourning has been declared in the Eastend for Bradley Branning.   

News

Notts County Enders-Street-Farm - sold for a quid.  Sven last seen heading for the airport.  If it wasn't so tragic it would be funny.

Dale win an award for being like really nice n' that.  Family Excellence Award for 2009/10 and they are also shortlisted for Family Club Of The Year.  With a little luck the award should have some company in the trophy cabinet soon enough.

Promising Dale youngster Chris Brown nominated for Apprentice Of The Year and sign's professional terms at Dale.  Best of luck young un.

Action

Your team for today:

GK: Fielding

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

Mid: Obadeyi, Taylor, Jones, Atkinson

For: Dagnall, O'Grady

Bench: Arthur, McArdle, Flynn, Toner, Kennedy(J), Haworth, Higginbotham

El Classicos.  The Dale vs. Dagenham derby game.  The history of this jewel in the League Two calendar is short but keenly contested.  Since that first meeting in November 2007 (a win for Dale courtesy of a Dagenham own goal) this tie has served up a close draw, two defeats and a highly improbable win for Dale.  That win was all the more unlikely because the Daggers were top of the table going into that day last November.  Since then Dale have climbed into nose bleed territory and Dagenham have slipped into mid-table.  This contrast in fortunes provoked a troubling thought: after three seasons of friendly rivalry, horrible food gifts and an occasional cup of beer, this could be the last El Classico.

With Jones back in the side for Dale, Thompson relegated to the stands, the sun shining brightly and the gentlemen of Dagenham sitting in a row, tight on the touchline, like a bunch of elderly French ladies waiting for the guillotine to fall - what could well be the end of an era got underway.

The opening exchanges were muted as both sides struggled to deal with a playing surface which was clearly suffering from the hostile weather and the unset of egg chasing at Spotland.  The pitch was variously rutted like a farm track, hard as concrete or as slippery as a bobsleigh run.  

However, it was Dale who settled first.  On nine minutes good work from Atkinson on the left delivered a cross to the Daggers near post where Dagnall was lurking, he twisted, turned, found a yard and laid the ball into the path of Jones.  Roberts charged off his line and smothered Jones shot - but he could do nothing about the rebound.  Obadeyi swept in to poke the ball past him as the Dagenham defence looked on.  1-0 Dale!

Celebrations would be brief.  Just a minute later a throw out from Fielding found Stanton unprepared and Jon Nurse alert to the opportunity.  Stanton was summarily dispossed and Nurse burst into the green (brown) acres beyond.  With the defence un-picked, Nurse delivered a pin-point cross and Josh Scott had the simple task of steering the ball past a powerless Fielding.  1-1.

Dale were visibly shocked.  Dagenham pressed.  Dale struggled to keep the ball or clear their lines.  Daggenham struggled to find their shooting boots and failed to capitalise.  Dale's most convincing moment would be a fine individual effort from O'Grady to shake off his markers and flash a cross along the goal line - as Spotland breathed in, Atkinson and then Obadeyi swung and missed.  The danger passed.

As the clock wound down Dagnall tried to lob Roberts with a cute headed finish, Roberts blocked well - but only as far as O'Grady.  His lofted attempt was turned aside by an alert Scott Doe.  In the dying moments Jones lashed the ball goalwards from distance, Roberts fumbled the block and the ball deflected towards the top corner.  To Roberts pantomimed relief, it flew over the bar.

And that was that - half time - now then, where has Stuart Hall gone?

All I can say is that for a older gentleman, he has an impressive turn of speed.  By the time I had got my headphones off, he was disappearing in the direction of the players lounge.  Foiled.  Not to worry, I can get him at full time.

The second half began in the same vein as much of the first - pretty inconclusive.  Dagenham were probably getting slightly the better of things as Dale stuck to attempting long ball's into O'Grady - however, the introduction of Higginbotham just before the hour saw Dale attempting to get the ball down.  It seemed to have borne immediate dividends when Higginbotham squirmed through the attentions of McCrorry and set up Dagnall - but Dagnall could only fire over.

Dagenham were far from out of things though.  As the stalemate continued they continued to probe and a mix up between Dawson and Fielding almost allowed Thomas to pounce.  Moment later Fielding was put seriously to the test by Scott's top corner bound drive - at full stretch he just managed to tip it wide.

Higginbotham once again weaved a path through the Daggers back line - this time setting up O'Grady, but his tame effort went well wide.  Chris Dagnall's afternoon of frustration continued when he latched onto Ogogo's half clearance and lashed a snap volley goalbound - only to see it creep just wide of the post.

By now Andy Haworth had joined the action for Dale and his freshness and skill seemed to finally break the Daggers.  Within minutes of his arrival - Dale were back in the lead.  A tidy passing sequence starting with Haworth found Gary Jones in acres of space in the middle of the park, 25 yards from goal.  A touch, a quick look and Jones passed it into the bottom corner.  Roberts scratched his head in showy disbelief as wild celebrations ensued on and off the field.  Welcome back Jonah.  2-1 Dale!

As the minutes ticked away Dagenham pressed forward - but Dale didn't extend them the same charity as they had in the first half and deep into injury time they struck again.  A threaded pass from Higginbotham released Dagnall and stranded the whole Daggers squad upfield.  Dagnall hared into the wide open spaces, tried to take it round Roberts, over cooked it, recovered, got his bearings and slid the ball into the path of O'Grady.  From two yards, O'Grady did the honours.  3-1 Dale!

...and so it ended.  Perhaps the last of El Classicos.  Now, where is Stuart Hall?
         

Speak Your Brains   

Your cast for today: Mr. Spencer, Mr. Spencer the elder, Mr. Spencer the younger, Mr. Spencer the soldier, Mr. Evans, Mr. O'Shaughnessy, Young Claude, Mr. Keane, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Turner, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Culshaw, Coat Dave, Me - and dozens of other folks whose names I didn't ask or can't remember.  It was a busy night.

• Dale stay top, five points clear, with a game in hand.  Dagenham go thirteenth and our guests were delighted to be 'top of the bottom'.
• Mr. Hargreaves, our studio anchor for the game, out-did himself today.  He has manufactured a jingle out of my name using the Singing in the Rain crowd pleaser 'Good Morning'.  Richard Eden-Good Morning, Good Mooorning... Most diverting.
• Nathan Staton recieved the customary 90 minutes of abuse about his weight problem (?) from Mr. Spencer the elder.  He was happy - and that was the main thing.  I observed Mr. Stanton receiving a comforting hug from Mr. Flitcroft as he left the field.  He has feelings as well you know.
• A good first ten and a good last ten from Dale.  The rest was pretty even and but for a bit of luck and better finishing, the Daggers could have sneaked it.  Well just perhaps.
• How unlucky was Chris Dagnall?  His day will come.
• How good was Andy Haworth?  Haworthinho for my money.
• Mr. Spencer was obliged to sign his match program and give it to a group of young ladies who were convinced he was in Eastenders.
• Mr. Keane made a prediction.  4th April 2010.  I'm not going to say it out loud - I don't want to hex it.  But you know what I mean...
• Mr. Evans believes that Dale's rise in form can be attributed directly to Dagenham's arrival in the Football League.  That said, he did correctly predict the score at 10am this morning.  Perhaps it is Mr. Evans uncanny mind powers that have been steering Dale these last three season's? 
• If this is the last El Classico - I will miss it.  League One or El Classico?  There ain't no pleasing me.
• Stuart Hall once again escaped.  He's a wiley one.  I'll give him that.  

Keep calm and carry on.

Rola Cola Sponsored English League Two

Rochadale AFC 2 - 0 Crewe Alexandra FC

Journey

Something odd happened on Monday night.  Not losing to Bury - that has happened before - quite a lot actually.  It wasn't going to the pub after the game either - that always seems to happen.  What was odd was the post match analysis.  Last season the  defeat at Gigg Lane had resulted in something approaching a wake...

None of that this time around.  Between myself and Messers. Keane, McCabe and Turner we agreed that the pitch was shoddy, the ref lenient beyond reason - but - that Dale simply hadn't come up to the mark.  Bury had wanted it more and Bury had won.  All very pragmatic really.  No doom and gloom - no 'the end is nigh'.  Simply a case of - right, who's next?  How the times have changed.  Keep calm and carry on.

I wandered onto Pearl Street a little before two today, the sun was shining (a very rare sight recently), the Smiths were blasting out of the PA, Dale fans were going quietly about their affairs - It seemed that everyone else had taken a similar view of Monday night's encounter.  The world hadn't ended.  Dale are still top, there are 18 games to go, everything to play for.  Keep calm and carry on.

Weather 

Blue skies and sunshine - to start with at least.  A perfect, crisp winters day.  However, when it started to go dark, a bank of fog rolled in and temperatures plummeted.  At the final whistle everyone rushed off as fast as their frozen feet would allow them to, with designs on getting their frigid feet as near to the fire as their pet/spouse/kids would permit.

Food 

In my last report I stated that I had one pie at Gig Lane - Mr. Keane asserts that I actually ate two.  There is naturally a completely reasonable explanation for this.  I was only quoting my 'main' pie for the purposes of expenses.  The alleged other pie may have been in lieu of my tea and as such would be inadmissable for expenses.  As an accredited Football League Journalist, I now claim journalistic immunity (which I may have made up) and will answer no further questions on this point.

Away Support

I just don't get this - I really don't.  Crewe is less than an hour's drive away - and they bring less than 200.  Dale took over 1000 to Gresty Road at Christmas.  The 'Crewe Few' were pretty vocal about the referee's decisions throughout - but then, so was everyone...

News

Errrm...  Yeah.  News.  Errr.  Oh!  Dale have a new club sponsor - Bathroom321.  I may be missing my guess here - but I suspect they fit bathrooms.

Action

Your team for today:

GK: Fielding

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

Mid: Atkinson, Taylor, Jones, Obadeyi

For: Dagnall, O'Grady

Bench: Arthur, McArdle, Flynn, Toner, Kennedy(J), Haworth, Higginbotham

Mr. Hill had hinted that there would be changes to the side in the Observer - and indeed there were.  The injured Joe Thompson would be left out in favour of the rather impressive Temitope Obadeyi - and - just when we feared we might never see Gary Jones again this season, Captain Fantastic slotted back into midfield in place of Jason Kennedy.  Kennedy wasn't injured - but my suspicion is that Mr. Hill favoured a more direct pressence in central midfield - which Jones provides in spades.

Crewe have had an in-and-out season - either devastatingly good or alarmingly ordinary.  When Dale played them in December I said they were the best side I had seen all season after they went blow for blow with Rochdale and held them to a 2-2 draw.  Since then, Crewe have conjoured up just one win and have slithered towards mid-table.  Ideally, today would not see a dramatic return to form for the Railwaymen.  Dale haven't scored in two games.  Keep calm and carry on.

The opening ten minutes were action packed - although the first incident proved very damaging to the Crewe cause.  With just five minutes on the clock Crewe front man Calvin Zola set himself to challenge Tom Kennedy, slipped and went to earth.  Clutching his thigh and clearly in some distress he was escorted to the tunnel never to return.  Byron Moore would replace him.

Moments later Obadeyi latched onto a pacy cross from Tom Kennedy, but could only head over the bar.  But Dale didn't relent.  An eel like run into the Railwaymen's area from Dagnall resulted in a thumping shot which flew under Steve Phillips, but Matt Tootle hacked the ball off the line.  Danger over?  No.  Tootle's clearance flew to O'Grady, a touch, a shot, the roof of the net bulged.  1-0 Dale!

Dale subsided and Crewe got into their stride.  Unfortunately, Miller and Moore lacked understanding and seldom received the ball without the linesman's waving stick making an appearance - although the Railwaymen would see a Schumacher freekick paried by Fielding and a great piece of awareness by Murphy result in the ball soaring over the Dale cross bar (my games teacher Mr. McAndrew would have barked 'LEANING BACK BOY!  LEANING BACK!').

Our official for today, Mr. Rushton, had already given some minor cause for concern with some questionable decisions.  Part way through the half he would have the Crewe fans howling.  Moore broke into the Dale area, wrong footed Dawson and drove towards goal, Dawson flattened him.  Even by my highly partisan standards - it was pretty cut and dried, penalty.  Mr. Rushton waved play-on.  Around 3000 souls breathed out in unison.  200 roared indignant disbelief.  

As the half drew to a close Dale drove Crewe back and forced a string of corners.  O'Grady had an effort hacked off the line, Taylor unleashed a shell of a shot which took a nearly suicidal intervention from Worley to turn aside and Dagnall forced a full-stretch save from Phillips. However, 1-0 it remained.

The halftime discussions were upbeat.  With Mr. Jones and Mr. Culshaw I mused on the good fortune Dale had benefitted from.  Crewe's dangerous frontman Zola exiting the game so early and a clear penalty turned down.  Just one minute into the second half - the good fortune continued...

O'Grady burst down the left and unleashed a cross into the Crewe area - but Dale's forwards were all at sixes and sevens - Dagnall was closest to the ball as it flashed across the area - but still yards distant.  The danger seemed to have evaporated when Matt Tootle intervened.  Quite what he was attempting to do was unclear - what he did was leave Steve Phillips with no chance.  2-0 Dale!

Dale were very much on top by now - even some scratchy passing and the ever more baffling  decisions of Mr. Rushton couldn't create a way back for Crewe.  Atkinson, Higginbotham (on for Obadeyi) and Dawson could all have extended the lead - but for the gymnastics of the excellent Phillips in the Crewe goal.

2-0 it ended.

Speak Your Brains

Your cast for today: Mr. Keane, Mr. Mitchell, Keane Jnr. and me.

• Bournemouth drew at Cheltenham.  Dale go six points clear.
• O'Grady.  16 for the season.  What miss?
• Obadeyi was not quite the force he was on Monday - still pretty good though.  Higginbotham was excellent when he arrived on the scene - can he be far from starting a game?
• Great to see Jonah on the field - looked to tire later in the game - a solid performance nonetheless.
• Mr. Rushton.  I have seldom seen both sets of fans scream in disbelief at the decisions of a referee.  Today was one of those occasions.  When you win and blame the ref, there is something seriously wrong.
• Comedy moment: Dario Gradi screaming,'JUST F**CKING ONE OF YOU!' as two Crewe players tripped over the ball, and then one another.
• Mr. Keane asserts that Dale only need twenty points from their remaining 17 games to go up.  Seems do-able. 
• No game next week as Notts County-Enders-Street-Farm are still in 'that' FAmous Cup - a tricky few games over the next month or so though, starting in a fortnight with the latest installment of 'El Classico Del Norte', Dale vs. Daggers.  The licensee trade of the borough are in for a treat.
• Keep calm and carry on.

The Hawthorne Effect

Rola Cola Sponsored English League Two
Bury FC 1 - 0 Rochdale AFC

Journey

'The act of observing something changes its behaviour'

                                        The Hawthorne Effect

Being at a bit of a loose end today, I watched some television.  Most of it seemed to be a variation on the theme of 'reality TV'.  The format is simple, take basically ordinary folk, point a TV camera at them and then watch the sparks fly.  It seems to work every time.  I am left to wonder though - are these people really like that?  Do they throw chairs at each other all the time?  Do they argue like that all the time?  Do they even talk like that all the time?  (American's are brilliant at this - they make words up to sound clever and important on TV.  Regard the following sentence: 'Management directed me to initiate a priority non-grata disposalization scenario'*)  Obviously they don't.  No one does.  They are on TV.  You aren't watching reality - you are watching TV, just like when you watch Corrie, 24 or Shameless.  TV changes people.  That is the Hawthorne Effect in action.

* 'My boss told me to put the rubbish out, quickly'.  See what I mean?

A little before six I picked up Mr. McCabe.  He was wearing a hat ...and what a hat!  Imagine Genghis Khan's battle helmet - then imagine a knitted version of that, complete with snow flake details.  Crikey!  A quick trip through Heywood and we caught up with Mr. Keane and Mr. Calman - who were testing the limits of 'all you can eat' at the carvery in The Farm.  With appetite's sated and with Mr. Keane sporting Mr. McCabe's reserve hat (he looked like Charlie Brown) having forgotten his own, we set forth for Gigg Lane.

Weather  

It snowed a bit today - but thankfully it didn't stick.  By kick off time the snow had turned into a thin persistent drizzle.  Hats were still very much the order of the day - even though the temperature had crawled upwards, there were some nervous looking brass monkeys around Gigg Lane tonight.

Food

I didn't bother with the carvery in The Farm - but I did sample a Chicken Balti pie at Gigg Lane.  At almost three quid a pop I almost had an uncharacteristic Jeremy Kyle moment in the pie shop.  Not a bad pie though.

Ground

View blocked by stancions, check.  Weeing in a hole in the floor, check.  Endless chanting of 'FAIL!' by the home fans, check.  Bottles full of 'liquid' being lobbed into the ranks of the away fans, check.  Yep, this is Gigg Lane.

For fans who only acknowledge a rivalry with Bolton Wanderers (not that Bolton are aware of this) a very strong turn out from the Shakers - maybe it was the prospect of getting their fizog on the idiot lantern that drew them out (I did say it changes people) - or maybe it was the memory of having their pants pulled down at Spotland earlier in the season that provoked such a crowd.  Whatever it was there was lots of them.

In response, Dale produced pretty much a full home attendance.  No empty seats and lots of people standing at the front.  2500-3000 by my guess.  Our little group was swelled by the arrival of Mr. Mitchell, his father in law Geoff and a special guest appearance from the clown prince of Spotland - Mr. Turner.  

News

I Will return.  As the transfer window closed, popular ex-loanee Will Atkinson returned to Spotland on loan until March.  On the same day 'Crazy' Frank Fielding returned to Spotland on loan until the end of the season.  Welcome back boys.

Tommy Bolton?  In addition to the return of Atkinson and Fielding, Dale also recruited Bolton forward Temitope Obadeyi on loan until the end of the season.  Mr. Turner has re-named him Tommy Bolton - as his actual name has way too many syllables for himself to pronounce without dribbling.

Gotta Run.  I wasn't surprised when I saw that Adam Rundle had been released - this has been coming for a while.  I was a bit disappointed though.  I've always been a fan of the lad and will always have good memories of his time at Dale.  Best of luck Adam.

Action

Your team for tonight:

GK: Fielding

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

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

For: Dagnall, O'Grady

Bench: Arthur, McArdle, Flynn, Jones, Haworth, Obadeyi, Higginbotham

In August Bury had looked lethargic and outclassed, the win that day was an early spark in what proved to be a very succesful period for Dale.  Dale go into tonights encounter seven points clear at the top of League Two.  However, Bury have developed the habit of grinding out results in recent weeks and this dogged persistence has seen them move into fourth place.  Dale on the other hand, have not begun 2010 very convincingly.  Two draws and a win from three games.  As the floodlight's glare shimmered off the rain and the all seeing eye of Sky Sports focussed on Gigg Lane - it was anyones guess how it might go.

Mr. Penn got things underway and something like a pitched battle ensued.  Bury flew at Rochdale like men possessed - there was no signs of the lead footed side who had visited Spotland in August. The chewed up Gigg Lane pitch did little to assist either team, passing became an uncertain and risk laden operation which the Shakers seemed to master much the quicker. However, in spite of the crushing pressure the Shakers were trying to apply, Dale stood up to the assault - although seldom really broke the seige.

Considering the amount of the ball Bury were enjoying they only generated one authentic effort from Stephen Dawson which Fielding parried quite comfortably.  Dale could only point to a wild effort from O'Grady which cleared the East Stand - probably never to be seen again.

It had been pretty breathless stuff which Bury had got much the better of, but without generating any serious threat.  As half time arrived Dale could feel slightly fortunate that no harm had been done and that they had a chance to reconsider their options.

At half-time the feeling was that perhaps the first half had been part of a bigger plan - remember that it had been 0-0 at Spotland at half time.  Perhaps the plan was to draw the Shakers sting and attack in the second half?  Perhaps.  What was worrying was that there was no real sign of the free flowing, passing football I have come to expect from Dale.  The pitch wasn't great - but Bury were managing and although the Shakers were closing down Rochdale with gusto - surely that meant there were gaps to exploit elsewhere?  Well, Dale weren't finding them tonight.  Which was ideal - because several thousand people had tuned in to watch my team play pretty indifferently.  Or was it because they were watching that Dale weren't hitting their stride?  The Hawthorne Effect in action?

Bury hit their groove again after the break - but once again failed to seriously trouble Fielding.  It wasn't until around the hour that Dale began to assert themselves - the arrival of Obadeyi for Thompson gave Rochdale an outlet down the right and the Shakers strangle hold was broken.  Minutes later Dawson had the chance to put Dale into the lead - but his barely contested header flew straight into the midriff of Wayne Brown who held the ball expertly.

...and then the moment of the game for Dale.  With around fifteen minutes left some lax defending by Buchanan allowed Obadeyi to see just enough of the ball to dispossess the Bury man.  Buchanan ended up on his backside on the byline, Obadeyi drove towards goal, powering a low cross into the box.  Loitering on the edge of the six yard box was Chris O'Grady.  I have seen this situation time and time again - the result is predictable - net bulges, everyone goes mental, job done. 

That is not what happened.

Under pressure from Sodje, O'Grady contrived to divert the ball wide of an open goal.

A couple of minutes later Dale were behind.  A Stanton challenge ricocheted off Barry-Murphy, flipped up into the air and grounded in the path of an unmarked Ryan Lowe.  Fielding made himself big, Lowe was unphased and rifled the ball past him.  1-0 Bury.

Haworth and Higinbotham were thrown into the frey for Dale - but it was just too late - even four minutes of added time made no difference.

Speak Your Brains

Your cast for today: Mr. Keane, Mr. Calman, Mr. Turner, Mr. McCabe (plus knitted helmet) and me.

• 
  
  Dale stay top - the lead is now four points.
• 
  
  The standing ovation from both sets of fans for for the detachment of soldiers - complete with marching band - was a remarkable sight.  Whatever your views on the war - these lads deserve everyones support.  Tonight they got it in full measure. 
• 
  
  Referee Penn had an interesting approach tonight - Mr. Keane felt that he let it flow - I felt he abdicated responsibilty in a game that was quite lively on occasion.  Sodje was very lucky to stay on the field.
• 
  
  Full credit to Bury - they had a point to prove and they made it well.  Bossed most of the game and took their chance when it came.
• 
  
  Temitope Obadeyi (or Tommy Bolton) seems very handy indeed - he looks like a really good signing.
• 
  
  The temptation could be to blame Chris O'Grady for the result - how quickly people forget what the lad has done since he arrived.  Watch the Premiership - you can watch lads earning millions do the same thing week in - week out.
• 
  
  When the TV man next comes a knocking, hide behind the sofa Mr. Dunphy. Exactly what happens when you point a TV camera at Rochdale AFC is beyond me - perhaps there is something in this Hawthorne Effect thing?  The stats don't lie though.  From the last ten televised games featuring Dale - they have won just one.  Mind you - that was a good one...