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...      

Neighbours

Rola-Cola Sponsored English League 2

Rochdale AFC 3 - 0 Bury AFC

Journey

Consider if you will two boys. One slightly older than the other. They grew up just down the road from one another. They went to similar schools. They had the same friends and played the same games. In most respects there really was no difference between them.

But, as they grew up the older boy became the kind of son every mother talks her neighbours ears off about. Achievement followed achievement, award followed award. Nothing seemed beyond his grasp. The younger boy took a very different path. His mum wished he had made more of himself, he had had the chances - he just never took them . He lived his whole life just round the corner from the house he was born in.

Then fate intervened. The glittering career of the older boy was rocked by misfortune and mismanagement - his dazzling past achievements became long distant memories. In his significantly reduced circumstances he was obliged to move in next door but one to the younger boy.

How he hated it. Every time he saw his childhood friend it reminded him just how far he had fallen from grace. He consoled himself that in spite of the fact that they lived on the same street and did much the same job for similar wages now - he was still better than him. He would always be better than him.

Funny what you think about on your way up Roch Valley Way isn't it? Mind you, coming up with massively over elaborate analogies for Rochdale and Bury distracted my attention from the horrible weather and the amateurish driving of my fellow road users.

Last week I reflected that Mr. Ashworth was pretty much out of ideas with the 'funny names' thing he has had going on this season. I was wrong. This week he just didn't leave me a pass at all. He's a wiley old fox.

On the way out of reception I bumped into Playboy Dan - and he was not alone. Accompanying him was the force of nature that is - Mr. Turner. Attending his first game of the season, Mr Turner was his typically bullish self - 2-1 for Dale was his prediction. On exactly what basis he was saying this was anyone's guess.

I pressed onward. A swift pint in the Ratcliffe with Mr. Keane and Keane jnr. - where Mr. Keane kept up his tradition of hob-nobbing with Bury fans. Chatting to Mr. Hobson and his dad - two of Mr. Keane's Shaker pals - I got the feeling that they weren't that confident today. Perhaps 'Mystic Turner' was onto something.

Weather

A good deal of mirth has been expended on the subject of Rochdale Council putting up Christmas decorations in August - it was on BBC news and everything. There was nothing festive about the weather today though. A morning of driving rain subsided into a heavy overcast punctuated by drizzel with occasional random bursts of sunshine.

Food

Due to an assortment of technical things to do with the broadcasting equipment I went pieless once again. It's a tough life in the media you know. However, during my brief meeting with playboy Dan earlier I learned that he had just polished of a three course meal in the directors lounge and would be watching the game from the executive seats. You've either got it or you haven't. I think Playboy got my share.

Away Support

Lots. But not nearly as many as recent years. Maybe 2000. The Shaker massive spent the majority of the game venting their spleen on Tom Kennedy - for his greivous sin of leaving Bury to join Rochdale. Every time Kennedy recieved the ball, boos and howls of derision went up from the Wilbutt's Lane stand. Still, there was no danger that this rough handling would backfire on the Bury faithful. No danger at all.

News

Not to be outdone by Notts County's capture of Sol Campbell during the week - Dale also signed a new face. Well not that new. Von Trapp family look-e-like-e, Matt Flyn's loan move from Macc has been made permanent, following a trio of good performances in Dale colours. In other news, Jon Shaw has disappeared - again. Reports in the media suggesting he has gone on loan to Barrow. However, a Rochdale insider revealed to May Contain Football that Shaw has actually been loaned to Rochdale Council - as a barrow.

Action

Your team for today:

GK: Arthur
Def: Flynn, Holness, Dawson, Kennedy(T)
Mid: Thompson, Kennedy(J), Jones, Buckley
For: Dagnall, O'Grady

Bench: Edwards, Wiseman, Stanton, Rundle, Stevens, Spencer, Higginbotham

One change today - Holness in, Stanton out. Stanton was far from convincing at the Don Valley Stadium and takes more than a small slice of the blame for Rotherham's first goal. That said, bringing in Holness is not without risk - his lapse of concentration against Cheltenham turned a fairly safe point into a big fat zero. Facing one of League Two's better strike forces this afternoon would mean that Rochdale's answer to Mr. T would need to have his wits about him.

With 'I predict a riot' blasting out over the tannoy, the players took the field. On the dot of 3pm Mr. Stroud got things underway.

The first half was hugely energetic - both sides throwing themselves into the contest. The problem was that for all the effort being expended neither side produced a single serious effort on goal. Holness & Dawson for Dale and Sodje & Futcher for Bury had the strikers well and truly under control.

It was entertaining stuff - including the rather comical 'storming of the Sandy' by a group of Bury fans - but as half-time descended it seemed that a mistake or a piece of massive good fortune would be required to break the deadlock.

Quite what the half-time talk in the Dale dressing room consisted of is naturally a mystery. Whatever it was, it seemed to do the trick though. Dale poured forward and the Shakers defence, so solid in the first half - started to look beatable.

Dagnall sliced through the bewildered Bury rearguard in the opening minutes only to be denied by a fine save from Brown. Just when it seemed that Bury had weathered the storm Buckley popped up on the Rochdale left. A burst of pace found him with just enough room to deliver a cross which flashed into the area and found Joe Thompson. Thompson's resulting effort picked up a fairly serious deflection off a Bury defenders arm and as claims for a penalty roared forth from the Sandy the ball zipped past the completely wrong footed Brown - and nestled in the back of the net. 1-0 Dale!

Bury made changes. Lowe and Robertson made way for Bishop and Morrell. The Shakers were wounded - but with Bishop and Morrell on the field they had every chance to make good the damage. The problem was they really weren't getting the opportunity.

Dale continued to press. Moments after the goal Buckley wandered through an alarmingly static Shakers back line only to be denied from close range by yet another excellent save from Brown. Minutes later Kennedy(T) launched a raking pass forward and into the path of Chris Dagnall. As Ben Futcher vainly appealed for off-side, Dagnall was away. Without another Bury man in sight Dagnall bore down on Brown - waiting, waiting for the keeper to commit. The moment he did, Dagnall lifted the ball over him. 2-0 Dale!

I will not dwell on Dagnall's 'Nobby Stiles' dance routine on the touchline near the Sandy.

2-0 up and less than twenty minutes to go - this really could be the day I finally see Rochdale beat Bury.

Minutes later the game was wrapped up. Buckley was 'bounced' by Scott in the Bury area and Mr. Stroud felt he had no alternative but to indicate the penalty spot. Then something very odd happened. A slight figure strode forward, picked up the ball and placed it firmly on the spot. It was Tom Kennedy. Kennedy could (and possibly should) have taken the penalty against Bury last year - however considering he still lives in Bury, he had decided to pass then. Today there were no such doubts. After 80 minutes of unremitting abuse from the Bury faithful - Kennedy made his reply. It was just about the most unstoppable penalty I have ever seen - top right corner - 3-0 Dale!

Wheeling away from the spot Kennedy raised his hand to his ear and ran along the touchline in front of the Bury fans. The Shakers threw programs, one ran onto the pitch - and then ran back when he realised he was on his own. The Dale fans sang, 'He's not a Bucket anymore!' - I guess he really isn't after that. Kennedy justly got a yellow card for his labours.

The game played out with Dale pressing forward for yet another, a carnival going on in the Sandy, a conga snaking round the Pearl Street and a discreet flow of people out of the Wilbutts. 3-0 it ended - I saw it with my own eyes. Magic.

Speak your brains

Your cast for today: Myself, Mr. Keane, Keane jnr., Mr. Mitchell, Coat Dave, Mr. Turner and some random Leeds fans who had watched the game today because Leeds were playing away.

• Why have Bury decided to use a Star Trek comm badge as their club crest?
• The storming of the Sandy - what was that all about?
• Did the Bury strikers get an emergency 'beam out'? Only Morrell looked a serious threat.
• Chris O'Grady is officially not Lee Thorpe - he has a good pair of feet on him.
• Goal celebrations! Thompson's weird 'body builder' thing and Dagnall's 'Nobby Stiles' were pretty impressive - Kennedy's wins though, he really is not a bucket anymore.
• Who was that bloke who ran on the pitch? - how silly did he look?
• Holness and Dawson - I did tell you last week.
• Adam who?
• Jones and Kennedy - they look better every game.

On the subject of excessive celebrations - had Mr. Stroud seen our post match performance we would have all been on a booking...

Dog face

Bury FC 2 - 1 Rochdale AFC

Journey:

09:00. Waiting. Waiting for Mr. Keane to arrive. Granted, he wasn't due to arrive until 10:30. But I was waiting none the less. Today is derby day. Rochdale vs. Bury. A 12:00 kick off with Premiership referee Alan Wiley calling the shots.

I tried watching TV. I saw an interview with Danny Boyle about the Oscar winning 'Slum Dog Millionaire'. If you have been living under a rock in recent months, Slum Dog Millionaire is about a young man from one of the less desirable parts of the world who gets his break in life through the entertainment industry. Quite where Bury born, Hollywood movie director, Mr. Boyle got his inspiration from is not exactly clear.

It passed a few minutes. After that I had to fall back on pacing. I am a pacer. When I am nervous or excited - or both. I pace. It was pacing that would almost literally lead to my downfall.

While I pace, my dog follows me. Back and forth. Back and forth. Somewhere on lap 200 and something I turned a little more rapidly than my dog was prepared for. We could dwell on exactly what happened next - or on some of the oathes I utterd. Lets just say I arrived in the kitchen a little more quickly than I had planned.

I rounded on the dog who was loitering in the kitchen doorway and started to make my feelings known. It was pointless. Dog's have a trick. The dog face. Muzzle down, eyes up. In seconds the fury had bled away and I was left feeling very slightly foolish.

Anyone who has a dog knows about this. Any amount of shredded clothing, chewed furniture or suspicious puddles can be explained away by the dog face. It works every time. From full blown, hysterical anger to ruffling the fur behind said canine's ears takes less than a minute.

They may be saying 'it wasn't my fault', or 'I didn't mean it', or perhaps - just perhaps 'sorry'. Whatever it is, it works.

At 10:30 and with my composure now fully restored, Mr. Keane arrived.

As today is a special day, something special had happened. For the first time in the 2008/09 season we had a full compliment of the Littleborough Debating and Choral Society: Dale Supporters Section. Myself, Mr. Keane, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Jones and in the shock of the season - Mr. Turner had put aside his numerous media commitments and joined us for the trip to Gigg Lane.

Food:

Cheesburger, fried onions, sweet chilli sauce. £2.20. It did nothing for my diet - but what the hell, this is derby day.

Ground:

The easy thing to do would be to rubbish Gigg Lane. This is the personal preserve of all Dale fans. A pleasure few can resist. Personally, I just find it confusing. It looks like several people were given the task of designing the ground - but were never allowed to talk to one another while they were doing it. There are some good bits - the side and end which have been joined at the corner are tidy. The main stand is good if a little dated.

The Manchester Road End - in which I would find myself today is a bit poor. It doesn't matter where you sit, there is always a iron stancion in your line of sight. Kind of like Old Wembley - but without the charm. In spite of the impeded view, I am pleased to report that Dale completely filled it - along with a large section of the main stand.

Finally, have you ever wanted to relieve yourself into a hole in the floor? Don't waste your money trekking to sub-Saharan Africa or the Indian sub-continent. Get that real third world feeling in the Manchester Road End latrine's at Gigg Lane. A life changing experience.

Action:

Barnet had been a huge disappointment. Dale really should have earned themselves a point. As it was, they walked away with nothing. As if today wasn't important enough already, it was now more important than ever that Dale get something today. The encounter at Spotland earlier in the season had been a tight affair - both sides gaining a well earned point. What might today hold?

The team news was a little strange. Jones continued absence seemed to point to a rare start for recognised central midfielder Clark Keltie - erm - no. Thompson would partner Toner in the middle of the park. Considering his recent run of form, Adam Rundle was a certainty to start on the left - erm - no. Rundle would drop to the bench - Bury old boy Adams would start on the left and Buckley would start on the right. Sometime Bury favourite, Tom Kennedy, would be Rochdale's captain for the day. McEvilly would make way for Thorpe upfront - other than that, as you were.

Mr. Wiley got things underway and the Shakers quickly got into their stride. Jones down the Bury left producing some penetrating runs and useful looking crosses which neither Bishop or Morrell could profit from. Having weathered the initial onslaught Dale, through Buckley, produced some probing runs of their own which had Bury biting their finger nails.

Things settled down nicely and an intruiging contest began to unfold. It was somewhere around here that I turned to Mr. Turner and remarked, 'at least we haven't punched it into our own net this time!'. I really should keep my mouth shut. I really should.

On 19 minutes Simon Ramsden attempted a fairly ill-considered back pass to Fielding. Alert to the opportunity, the Shakers Bennet chased the ball. Fielding attempted to kick the ball clear. 99 times from 100 this would have worked. Sadly this was the '1'. Fielding's attempted clearance cannoned off Bennett, shot up into the air, over Fielding's head and dropped slowly, oh so slowly towards the Rochdale goal. A scrambling Kennedy could do nothing to prevent the inevitable. 1-0 Bury.

The home fans went mental. The Rochdale fans groaned.

Minutes later Bury could have been two to the good. A glancing header from Morrell clattered the inside of the post and bounced back into Fielding's rather relived hands.

Pleasingly Rochdale didn't give in. They could point to a Joe Thompson's header late in the half which needed to be carved off the line by Sodje - while the Bury keeper, Tyler, was little better than a spectator.

During halftime we were treated to an encore performance from a troupe of dancing girls. They had strutted their stuff in the run up to kick off to much ribald derision from the Dale fans. Their encore was met with disinterested silence. Things were not going to plan - Dale had to improve significantly to turn things around and the Rochdale faithful knew it.

As half time ebbed away and whilst we waved cheerily to the Bury fans, Mr. Turner and I turned our minds to a great and deepening mystery. Mark Jones. Specifically, where the hell is he? After all the pomp and furore surrounding his signing at the start of the season, I have seen him play just once. Mr. Turner was as mystified as I am.

If you have seen Mark Jones, please let us know where he is and what he is up to. It would be comforting to know.

Mr. Wiley once again got things started and Rochdale set about their task. For the first fifteen minutes or so the game was played pretty much exclusively in the Shakers half. The corner count rose steadily, McEvilly replaced Thorpe and Rundle replaced a decidedly lack lustre Adams - but in spite of the undoubted pressure Bury were under, they held firm. Sodje and Cresswell turning in an annoyingly competent performance in the centre of defence. A header slightly over the bar from St. Adam and a shot narrowly wide of the post from the Shaker Maker were the best of Dale's chances.

As Dale huffed and puffed Bury were finding the time and space to break out and cause some problems of their own.

On 84 minutes they became serious problems. An intricate passing move saw Bury waltz through the Rochdale defences and a clever pass from Bishop set up Jones to finish past Fielding from just inside the Dale area. 2-0 Bury.

The home fans went mental. The Rochdale fans voted with their feet.

With time tricling away there was a strong shout for a Dale penalty as a sprawling Cresswell patted the ball back to Tyler in the Shakers goal. Mr. Wylie saw things differently.

But - it wasn't quite over just yet. Deep into injury time a long ball forward found the Shaker Maker lurking on the edge of the Bury area. Tidy control, a deft turn to wrong-foot his marker and a rifled finish past a static Tyler. 2-1.

Too little, too late. Ten seconds after the restart Mr. Wiley blew his whistle.

The remaining Rochdale fans rose to applaud Dale off the field, surprisingly the whole team and management were walking towards the Manchester Road End applauding right back. Their expressions were familliar. Muzzle down, eyes up. The dog face. I may have been disappointed, perhaps angry, maybe even slightly embarrased - but I suddenly had the urge to ruffle the fur behind their ears.

It works every time.

Summary:

The journey back to Rochdale was a long one - through a horrendous traffic jam. An hour and forty five minutes in total. During which I had plenty of time to reflect on this afternoon's procedings.

Did the team selection make a difference? No. Had Thompson's header gone in, he would have been a hero.

Was the first goal a fluke? No. Bennet saw an opportunity and went for it.

Was the referee to blame? No. All in all Mr. Wiley did a decent afternoon's work.

Bury won today because they defended well and took their chances when they came. Rochdale didn't.

Turner Watch:

Mr. Turner is working on a movie script. It revolves around a young man from one of the less desireable parts of the world who goes on to have a surprising influence on world events.

7/03/09

Shaker Maker

Rochdale (supporters XI) 9 - 0 Bury (supporters XI)

and in other results:

Rochdale AFC 1 - 1 Bury FC

Journey:

Following my own little (and rather expensive) jaunt into the Orient last week, I was somewhat surprised by just how much I missed the Beijing Olympics this last week. There is something quite pleasant about waking up every morning to realise that the British are not in fact rubbish at everything and so much more satisfying that I can smirk knowingly at Australian's and say with no sincerity whatsoever - 'bad luck old chap, bad luck...'

Therefore it is all the more disappointing that the Bury game rushed upon me so soon. Bury had started the season like the proverbial train - Dale had stuttered into life this term. The pretty pink fog of 19 gold medals and loads of the other ones to - seemed likely to be blasted away. Which ever way I worked it around in my mind - today felt like it would be a horrible rout in favour of the Shakers.

Having suffered the bitter bile of Bury fans picking over our reverse at Wembley throughout the summer - the trepidation was all the more acute.

I arrived in the saloon bar of the Ratcliffe Arms at around 2pm - to find Mr. Keane 'sleeping with the enemy'. A number of his ex-workmates had rolled-up for a refreshment break - Shakers to the man - well except Mr. Denwood (Blackburn Rovers) who was doing his best impression of Switzerland i.e. neutral.

Mr. Keane does this kind of thing every year. I really wish he would stop it.

Weather:

Hot and humid - it reminded me of my time in 'Nam - we lost a lot of good men back there...

Food:

Usually famous for not eating, Mr. Mitchell became notorious today for not actually turning up. The new Mrs. Mitchell's dad, Geoff explained to us when he arrived, that a recon into Crewe last night had resulted in Mr. Mitchell being unfit for duty today. So far only myself and Mr. Turner remain eligable to complete the 101 Project - disappointing, considering this is game four of forty six.

Today demonstrated the capacities of myself, Mr. Keane, Mr. Turner and Mr. Jones to over indulge in junk food - although it should be pointed out that Mr. Turner's weak attempt towards his five-a-day by having peas with his pie didn't fool anybody.

Away Support:

Loads.

Action:

Ok, so I have already run through my forbodings about todays encounter...

As around 2,000 Bury and 3,500 Dale accused one another of being a small town in Heywood and to a lesser degree of having an unusually close relationship with their blood relatives, the White Stripes pounded out 'Seven Nation Army' over the speakers, the sprinklers twirled erratically on the pitch and a sense of visceral menace desended over Spotland.

...Mr. Bates of Staffordshire put the whistle to his lips - and let slip the dogs of war.

Under reporting restrictions imposed by Mr. Keane I am not allowed to elaborate significantly on the events of the first half. So in short - Bury looked pretty covincing - Dale matched them most of the way without offering any real threat. As half time descended it was 1-0 to Bury (unfortunately) thanks to Sam Russell.

Let us not beat about the bush - on eight minutes, Russell punched the ball into his own net from a Bury corner. These things happen from time to time. I am confident that it was not what Mr. Russell had in mind - but ...

As I am sure you can imagine the Bury contingent went insane. Welcome to my nightmare.

Only tenacious defending from Dale saw us to half-time without further incident - Stanton and McArdle in particular shone.

Half time. In the name of all that is holy - what the hell is going on! The Vegas like razamataz that is 'Golden Gamble' was ruined by some callow youth chancing his arm. I saw the real Mr. Golden Gamble in the main stand sipping coffee as I joined the pie queue. In these situations, you do not need your star striker warming the bench - you need him where it counts. Hopefully, he is being rested for a big game - erm, hang on a minute....

After the League, Championship and Premiership results were read out over the PA - the announcer revealed that the unofficial supporters game between Rochdale and Bury this morning had finished 9-0 to Dale. Whilst it may seem irrelevant to point out the score of a game nobody cares about - I should point out that I have no interest in the the winners of FA cups more than 100 years ago - in spite of which it still seems to get raked up.

Half time also saw the introduction of one of Mr. Turner's more inspired flights of fancy. 'Celebrity Dogging' - a game show concept - judged by Stan Collymore, Steve McFadden and Britney Spears (non-dogger - but anything to get her career going again) - compared by Paul Ross (also a non-dogger - but he really needs the work) - along the lines of 'Strictly Come Dancing' - each celebrity is paired with a 'pro-dogger' - big cash payout's (all for charity - of course) - look out for it at a secluded car park near you - soon...

As Dale returned to the pitch, it seemed that the half-time talk may have been of the very direct kind. Rochdale took on the second half like a team transformed. The Shakers control of the first period wilted and then evaporated. Mounting Dale pressure saw young Will Buckley burst into the Bury box on 65 only to be felled by Sodje and Scott.

Mr. Bates emphatically indicated the spot and Daggers confidently stepped forward . I can't rightly tell you what followed - due to my looking at the ground - but the gasp around me and the roar to my left told me that Brown had saved it for the Shakers. 1-0 to Bury it remained.

A minute later, Daggers had the chance to make amends from six yards - but launched it just inches north of the bar. A well place boot from Sodje into Dagnall's lower abdomen as the Dale striker let fly may have had some bearing on procedings - a goal kick to Bury and the 'magic sponge' were Dagnall's only rewards.

A minute later, young Will Buckley burst into the box...

Mr. Keane muttered something like '... go on, win us another pen' - Bury's Ben Futcher duely obliged. Once again Mr. Bates indicated the spot. This time, St. Adam took the responsibility - straight down the middle - GOAL! 1-1.

The Shakers were shocked. The balance of the half saw Dale pour forward into an increasingly frantic Bury rear guard. Bury's Sodje being the key contributor to the Shakers salvation.

In spite of the Dale's best efforts - including a highly gymnastic foul by Hellboy - 1-1 it remained.

Summary:

In spite of Staedler and Waldorf behind me - who moaned uniformly throughout the game - Dale
 handled this pressure tie fairly well.

Ok, Sam's punch was not in the script - but, the Dale response was reminiscent of last season when defeat was simply not an option. Bury are indeed a good side this season - but aside of a freak goal were incapable of conjuring up much on their own - and but for better finishing by Dale they could have left empty handed. Considering Dale did almost everything within their power to lose the game, this is definitely a point won.

Oh, and in the tradition of the Navajo who named their braves for their acts in battle - young Will Buckley will hence forth be known as 'Shaker Maker'.

Turner Watch:

Celebrity Dogging - genius. Although, as we had to explain to Mr. Mitchell's father in law - there are no actual canine's involved.

Mr. Turner made it very clear to me this week that under absolutely no circumstances should Playboy Dan worm his way into the report. I didn't actually see Playboy Dan this week - so under the terms set out in recent weeks, it would be wrong of me to include him in the report. Sorry Dan, this week you just missed out, better luck next time...

30/08/08

St. Crispins Day

Bury FC 1 - 1 Rochdale AFC

Journey:

The shortest away trip of the season.

Mr. Keane pitched up outside my house at 12:30 with Messers Turner, Mitchell, Jones and Keane jr already installed in the HMS Zafira. A quick trip through the de-militarised zone (Heywood - in which both Rochdale and Bury are a small town: depending upon you allegiances) and we arrived at the Village Hotel for a refreshment stop.

Due to a minor encounter between a pub team from Salford and some southern dandies the bar was packed. We were relegated to the great outdoors.

Suitably refreshed we re-boarded the HMS Zafira and pressed onward to Gigg Lane. As we did so we noted from a roadside sign that Bury is Britains best large town in the prestigious 'Britain in Bloom' competition. So, not a small town in Heywood afterall then. Having said that, chanting 'you're just a large town in bloom' would probably not work.

Weather:

A perfect English spring day. Warm and sunny with occasional cloud.

Food:

No meat and potato pies. However, the chicken balti alternative was pretty acceptable. However. £2.40!

Ground:

Gigg Lane. What can I say? It is not the worst ground I have been to. That just about covers it.

For this visit to Gigg Lane the authorities had elected to locate the Dale fans in the the opposite end to normal. As I strolled in at 2:15, I understood why.

There were already approaching 1000 Dale fans in Gigg Lane.

I looked over my shoulder to see a solid wall of Dale making their way in behind me. I took my seat and watched as the flood of Dale continued unabated. Our allocated end filled up rapidly and Dale fans began to fill up part of an adjacent stand. Just before 3pm it was announced that kick-off would be delayed by 15 minutes. Aparrently, upwards of 500 Dale fans were still trying to get into the ground.

My guess would be that there were more than 3000 Rochdale fans in Gigg Lane today. Phil Spector would have been impressed by the wall of sound.

Action:

So it comes to this. Rochdale vs. Bury. A win today for Dale would keep the dream of automatic promotion alive. Reading various message boards revealed that Bury would like nothing better than to stall Rochdale's plans - afterall, according to one informed Bury fan 'Rochdale should know their place'.

Whatever that means.

At 3:15, procedings finally got underway. In a boiling cauldron of noise Dale and the Shakers charged.

This was proper derby football. Energy, passion, commitment. Every ball contested, no cause lost. For all the effort expended it was (as these encounters often are) a very even contest. Dale had a couple of good chances - Bury had two excellent chances which were only denied by the athletic reactions of Lee in the Rochdale goal.

Then on 30 minutes the whole complexion of the contest changed.

A strong challenged by Stanton on the gazelle like Bennett saw Mr. Jones of Cheshire produce a straight red card. Baffling. It was a foul, it probably merited a yellow card - but, a red card, I don't think so.

The effect of the dismissal was curious. Bury seemed to back off and with the extra space Dale were able to hold the ball more effectively. As can be the case, 10 men can play more efficiently than 11. The half wound down without further major incident (aside of the incomprehensible booking of Gary Jones) and as Mr. Jones indicated the interval - 0-0 was all we had to show for an entertaining and action packed first period.

Half time was spent in a desperate search for information on Hereford and Stockport's results. Stockport were losing, Hereford were winning. Dale had to get something from this game to maintain any hope of making the final automatic spot and hope Hereford slipped up and Stockport could not recover.

Seconds away - round two...

The second half began cautiously for both teams. Bury never fully committing to their attacks, Dale containing and breaking where an oppotunity presented itself. However, on 56 minutes Bury finally made their man advantage pay.

In what seems like a rare trip away from Spotland these days, Bury's Nicky Adams pounced on Bishop's flick on and fired past Lee. 1-0 Bury. Not quite the try-before-you-buy we had in mind - we look forward to seeing more of Mr. Adams next season. Even he couldn't resist a smile moments later as the Dale faithful sang 'Bury, you're Rochdale's feeder club'.

With the goal advantage Bury attempted to reinforce their lead in a semingly endless stream of attacks. Dales ten men were stretched almost to breaking point over and over again - but managed to hold out.

On 78 minutes Mr. Jones intervened again. A second yellow card saw Bury's Futcher heading for the dressing room after apparrently head butting McArdle.

With the sides now even again, Dale were able to venture forward more frequently. A few decent chances followed but Bury stood firm. It seemed it would be Bury's day.

On 90 minutes Mr Jones once again intervened. Gary Jones was chopped down inside the penalty area and he had no hesitation in indicating the penalty spot. St. Adam stepped up and confidently converted the spot kick. 1-1. A riot almost ensued in the Dale end as Bury fans charged the fences. Honours even. Probably fair - but there was more...

With just seconds remaining a high ball forward caused a mix up between Provett and Sodje as USS Howe challenged for the ball. Sodje headbutted Provett in the confusion - both ended up prone on the grass. USS Howe had the simple task of rounding Sodje and Provett and slotting the ball into the empty net. Mass Hysteria descended on the Dale fans! Until they saw the linesman's flag waving - that is. In spite of the obvious facts of the matter - he was indicating a push by Howe. Wrong - but there you are.

Summary:

A keenly contested game full of incident with both teams contributing fully. A proper local derby - great to watch.

And just for those who couldn't come to Bury today:

Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red. This story shall the good man teach his son; And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered- We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition; And gentlemen in England now-a-bed Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

William Shakespeare

Possibly a little more eloquent than Mr. Hill's 'alleged' pre-match comments on Facebook. Perhaps...

Stockport lost, Hereford won - the play-off's it is then.

Turner Watch:

Didn't get chased by men with swords this time. Result!

26/04/08