A Grand Day Out.

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

Journey

It's 09:45.  I'm standing under the dreaming spire of the Town Hall clock tower with Mr. Keane.  We are waiting for the coach to arrive.

In the chaotic aftermath of the Dagenham game, I handed a bloke I had never met £10 on the understanding that I would have a seat on the 'unofficial' coach to Shrewsbury.  When you put it like that - it seems pretty risky.  It was a bit of a relief when the coach rolled up.

Such is the demand to see Dale these days that the official coaches simply aren't enough.  So, a couple of enterprising fans had organised this one.  Pretty impressive.  Cheers lads.

As we waited, a trickle of fans arrived - Mr. Booth and Mr. Murray from my trip to Cheltenham amongst them - and before long the coach was full.  After a brief delay while cans and bottles were grudgingly surrendered to our lady driver, we were heading south to a enthusiastic chorus of 'Away the Dale'.

I have been to Shrewsbury a few times - I went last season.  I have never been to Shrewsbury the way we went today.  It took quite a while.  Well over two hours in fact.  On a coach with a toilet which seemed to be permanently engaged, this was not a welcome development for some.  When we made landfall at the Brooklands Hotel - those charging to he toilet almost outnumbered those charging to the bar.  

In the warm spring sunshine Mr. Keane, Coat Dave, John, Lee and I stood on the lawn (yeah, I know - a lawn! fancy) outside the Brooklands, with a pint of Shropshire Gold in hand we discussed the demise of Chester and Farsley, the shocking record of Durham City (played 27, lost 27, scored 16, conceded 137), watched a bizarre tribute to Michael Jackson (at least that is what I hope it was) - and prepared ourselves for the imminent prospect of helicopters.     

A grand day out - and we hadn't even seen the game yet.

Weather  

Warm and sunny, punctuated by freezing cold when cloud got in the road.

Food  

Here's the thing.  I'm on a diet.  So a beef and horseradish roll would be bang out of order - even at the bargain price of £2.  A second beef and horseradish roll - well that would be just outrageous.  Add in a chicken and mushroom pie - I'd be taking the mick.  Don't tell the missus.

Ground

It's new!  It's shiny!  It's the Prostar Stadium! 

The opinion of the fans on the coach seemed to be that the Gay Meadow - Shrewsbury's old ground - won out in one key respect.  It had soul.  Maybe the Prostar will 'wear in' in time - but for the moment at least, it has all the charm of a shopping centre.

There was one rather quaint feature though.  A sign in the back of one of the stands which read - 'BREATH ON 'EM SALOP!'  I don't know what this means.  I found it a little troubling.

Weird signage aside, over 700 Dale fans had made the trip - nicely filling the away stand.  They were just getting the singing going - when a helicopter turned up.

News

Masked hero?  After his unscheduled trip to the ground last week, Awesome Dawson has been despatched to 'that' London to have a protective face mask fitted.  Apparently he's bust summat in his fizog.  Can I be first to suggest a Spiderman design?

Silverware already?  Mr. Flitcroft, amongst others, will be heading to 'that' London for the Football League awards dinner.  My advice?  Take a big bag - awards can go in the bag - but so can the dessert trolley.

Action

Your team for today:

GK: Fielding
Def: Wiseman, McArdle, Stanton, Kennedy (T)
Mid: Taylor, Jones, Kennedy (J)
For: Higginbotham, Dagnall, O'Grady

Good news - Wiseman fit again.  Bad news - Dawson (in spite of Spiderman mask) isn't.  Good news - McArdle slots back in at centre half. 

If I might just spare a moment to reflect on the surreal events prior to kick off.    Out of the spring sky, an RAF helicopter appeared, landed in the centre circle, a be-helmeted chap got out and handed the match ball to Shrewsbury's club mascot, the helicopter lifted off, piroueted - bowing to each stand in turn and spiraled off into the sky.  Probably not something I am likely to see again anytime soon.  With barely a moment to digest what we had just seen - Mr. Culshaw and I were live on air.  I narrowly managed to avoid blurting 'HELICOPTER!' to the listening public.  Always remain proffesional - that's my moto.

Mr. D'Urso blew his whistle - which Shrewsbury striker, Jamie Cureton, must have taken as a signal to hide - and we were underway. 

After the Lincoln experience, Dale seemed in no mood to be stifled out of the game.  In the opening minutes a speculative Tom Kennedy effort from range found the Shrew's defence dozing and their 'keeper, sometime Dale loanee David Button, calmly watching the ball in flight.  Kennedy's effort bent freakishly, almost sneaking past the onlooking Button - but it didn't bend quite enough - the post came to the rescue.

Dale continued to press - but the next serious effort came from the home side.  Benjamin Van Der Broek profitted from slack Rochdale passing and ran most of the length of the field before unleashing a fizzing shot which had Fielding at full stretch to tip it over the bar.  It would be Shewsbury's only significant effort of the half.

Higginbotham, Dagnall and O'Grady went up a gear in response.  Shrewsbury seemed curiously disinterested in anything other than blocking Dale out.  The balance of the half was played at or around the edge of the Shrewsbury area.  Jones, Dagnall and Taylor all had chances to open the scoring for Rochdale - but each time Button was equal to the challenge.  The half ended with Tom Kennedy rapping the home side's cross bar with a free kick.

A massively dominant Dale could be excused for feeling slightly frustrated as Mr. D'Urso indicated half time.  Jamie Cureton re-emerged from where ever he had been lurking to trot down the tunnel.

As the various media folks dispersed in search of coffee or whatever - a local radio guy quipped to his commentary partner, 'the helicopter is coming back to deliver another ball for the second half - so that our lads can have a go.'

I also made a startling discovery.  I am still basically twelve years old.  When the tannoy man announced that the half time draw had been won by Mr. B. Elland - I sniggered until the second half started.  Oh come on!  B. Elland!         

Mr. D'Urso got things going again, Jamie Cureton promptly vanished and Shewsbury found a toehold in the game.  It was fairly untidy stuff - but amidst the scruffy play, the Shrews forced a handful of corners.  One of which saw former Dale loanee Shane Cansdell-Sherriff (sometime favourite of the club shop's lettering lady) head the ball against the post and then almost capitalise on the rebound - fortunately for Dale no more than the side netting was troubled.

With Shrewsbury clawing their way back into the game Dale needed a little something extra to make their early dominance count.  Around the hour mark Joe Thompson trotted on.  Minutes later he was most alert to a tempting delivery from a Tom Kennedy free kick - Button dithered - Thompson didn't.  1-0 Dale!

Thompson and Jason Kennedy both had chances to extend the lead but wayward finishing spared Button serious bother.  With Dale firmly back in their stride, the home side found themselves down to ten men - Dagnall had turned Cansdell-Sherriff and was haring towards the homeside's goal when the big Aussie pulled off a text book Aussie rules tackle.  Mr. D'Urso had little to think about - straight red.

Jones and Dagnall both had chances to extend the lead as the clock wound down - but Button was equal to the challenge.  Jamie Cureton briefly reappeared - whilst being subbed for Mr. Simpson's little boy.  Shrewsbury won a late corner - Button charged up field to make his presence felt.  All for nought.  1-0 it stayed.

Speak Your Brains 

Your cast for today: Mr. Keane, Coat Dave, John, Lee, Me and a coach full of ecstatic Dale fans.

• Bournemouth didn't play today - Dale move nine points clear at the top.
• Shrewsbury barely played today - and dropped out of the play-off zone.  A very odd performance from an undeniably good side.
• Chant of the day: Keith Hill's Barbour jacket - to the tune of Keith Hill's barmy army.
• If you have any idea where Jamie Cureton was between 3 and 5pm - please contact the management of Shrewsbury Town FC.
• Mr. Keane made a confession.  He had been 'bolting' again.  He has been doing this for years.  If you wish to see a man of middling years charge gazelle-like to the touchline to greet a triumphant goal scorer - I suspect you can catch the evidence on the Football League Show.  If you are of a nervous disposition - maybe you should leave it.
• B. Elland. Phnarrrr.
• Durham City recorded their first win of the season against FC United this afternoon.
• Amid a seemingly endless chorus of 'Blue Army!' and yet more Michael Jackson impersonations we headed north.  Truly a grand day out.

Getting away with it

Shrewsbury Town FC 1 - 1 Rochdale AFC

Journey:

11:30 am, Mr. Keane and Keane jnr. are stood on my doorstep. It is bank holiday Monday and the sun is shining.

Flushed with the success against Port Vale just two days ago there was real optimism in our ranks that Dale could continue their recovery against Shrewsbury today. Personally I would be delighted with a haul of four points from the two Easter games. Shrewsbury have pretty much the best home record in the league - so a point at the New Meadow would be a real achievement.

Whilst 4 points would probably not catapult Dale back into the automatic promotion berths it would leave them with three games and their fate very firmly in their own hands. If Dale won today - apart from me almost certainly having a case of the vapours - who knows what might be possible.

With my passengers safely installed we joined the M62 and headed south. Having travelled as far as the A627/M62 junction Jane had one of her senior moments and forgot where she was and where she was going. As has become the tradition this season the shotgun passenger is pressed into service as Jane's carer. Whilst Mr. Keane was perhaps slightly rougher than Messers Turner or Culshaw - he managed to coax her into doing SatNav things once more and we were on our way with Jane bonging happily to herself.

M62, M60, M62, M6, M56, M53 - Wales. Does it seem odd to anyone else that a trip to a town in England requires a detour through the land of expensive road signs? I mean c'mon: Wrexham/Wrecsam! Something similar had been planned for Rochdale - using local names for places on road signs - however, there is apparently some legislation on the use of profanity on public signage. The plan was abandoned.

Wales has plusses and minuses. It is extremely beautiful - I like a bit scenery the other side of my windscreen as you know. Unfortunately, this means the place is infested with English tourists - with caravans. As the Welsh borders are a roundabout rich environment the influx of caravans means only one thing - traffic jams. A journey which Jane had calculated to take 1hr 45mins took 2hrs 20mins.

Thus somewhat agitated and muttering dark oathes against the British Caravan Club I arrived at the New Meadow just after 2pm.

Weather:

Hot. Perfect conditions for sitting in a tail-back behind a caravan with an 'I heart Wales' sticker in the rear window.

Food:

With Mr. Keane and Keane jnr. despatched to the away end I joined Mr. Culshaw in the 'retail concourse area' beneath the main stand. In english that means - there are some shops. As we made our way to the commentary positions I picked up a chicken and mushroom pie - which by my reckoning is practically salad. Well it is nearly summer afterall.

Ground:

I have a confession to make. I did a bad thing. I am not proud of myself.

When I arrived at the New Meadow, Mr. Keane made a very valid point. Unless you are an official or an invited guest - you can't actually park at the ground. You have to park miles away and then get a bus back again.

Following the trials and tribulations of getting to Shrewsbury - I wasn't in the mood for yet more delays, so I made a quick assesment of the situation. Based on experience of the parking arrangements at football grounds, the general quality of stewards and the fact that I was resplendent in an official looking Rochdale AFC polo shirt - I decided to tell a huge fib.

I pulled up to the gate, wound the window down, looked the steward square in the eye and said: 'Mike Brookes, Rochdale Football Club'. The steward looked quizical and slightly flustered, so I followed up with: 'you have my car park pass'. 'You need to see him', he said and pointed to another steward just inside the gates. No going back now then.

I pulled up next to the designated steward and told my whopper again: 'Mike Brookes, Rochdale Football Club'. This chap really did look harrassed as he fumbled with various clip boards and such, so I followed up with: 'you have my car park pass'. Now, what I knew - and he should have known was that Mike Brookes was already in the ground. Fortunately his nerve cracked first - 'they've made a right mess of this today you know - here you are sir'. I smiled patronizingly, grabbed the pass and sped off. I got away with it!

I had been to the Gay Meadow a couple of times in the past, but this would be my first visit to the New Meadow. It really is rather splendid. I got quite excited about Dean Court having three matching stands - the New Meadow has four! My only criticism - if it really is one - is that it looks a little anti-septic. Perhaps just a bit too new. That said, it glittered and sparkled like a shiny new penny in the Easter sunshine. Very pretty.

To complete the effect something in the order of 800 Rochdale fans had made their way through the traffic jams to watch the game.

Action:

Unsurpisingly, nothing of note has happened since Saturday - so lets crack on with the team news.

Gary Jones continuing injury problems would once again rule him out - although he did appear briefly to do some light training before the game. Wiseman looks set to be out for the rest of the season having been diagnosed with a hernia. Following his injury on Saturday, Higginbotham would also be unavailable. Stanton would return from his suspension.

Fielding in goal. Ramsden, McArdle, Stanton & Kennedy at the back. Thompson, Keltie, Toner and Buckley in midfield. LeFondre and Dagnall upfront.

With the sun beating down from a clear blue sky, Mr. East got things started.

Now, I could dwell on what happened next - but it would be enough to say that Rochdale got a pretty comprehensive footballing lesson from the men of Shropshire. Ok then, lets dwell...

St. Adam threatened the Shrews goal early on with what ended up being a fairly tame effort - aside of that it was all Shrewsbury. Dale old boy Grant Holt had the travelling fans heart's racing when he attempted to beat a poorly positioned Fielding - from around forty yards. The effort ultimately went wide - but not before Fielding smashed into post as he frantically back pedalled and then collapsed into an undignified heap. A collective sigh of relief rose from the away end as Fielding regained his feet, gave himself a shake and carried on.

The first half was torrid for Rochdale. Once, twice, three times the Dale net gaped - at the mercy of the men of Shropshire - but their efforts flew over or wide. Only good fortune and the tenacious efforts of the Dale defence prevented the Shrewsbury avalanche bearing fruit - the reinstatement of Stanton proved critical in holding the the Shrews at bay.

As I made my dash for the comforts of the press room, a replica shirted Shrewsbury fan (probably espying my RAFC polo shirt) burst from the crowd and shouted, ' I bet you're embarrassed aren't you?'. It was a fair point - but with things still poised at 0-0 and considering the Shrews stanglehold on the game, quite who should be more embarrassed was open for debate.

The press room was pretty rubbish. Even allowing for my undignified gallop from the commentary area the buffet had already been stripped clean, save for two rather curly sandwiches - which I ate anyway. With a cup of free coffee in hand I trudged back to my commentary position. Mr. Keane's texted half time update pointed to the brilliance of Stanton in the first half and that he was developing a very healthy tan in the spring sunshine. I settled into the frigid shade of the main stand and waited for Shrewsbury to deliver the killer blow.

I didn't have to wait long.

Two minutes into the second half that man Holt struck.

An embarrassing mix up between Keltie and Toner saw them both try to clear the ball on the edge of the area. The resulting tangle spewed the ball out to the Shrews left - Moss fed the ball back into the area where Holt was prowling, his back to goal, McArdle shepparding him. Holt turned, Holt drove, Holt scored. 1-0 Shrewsbury.

The home fans heaved a sigh of relief and the home team relaxed. The intensity of the first half passed - Shrewsbury sat back. Dale toiled but got little change from an organised and disciplined Shrews back line.

Dale were not great. In spite of a good deal of effort and the introduction of Thorpe and Rundle they struggled to produce any serious effort on the Shrewsbury goal. The thing was - Shrewsbury were quite happy to watch Rochdale's hapless efforts and retired further and further into their own half.

Mr. Culshaw and I speculated along the usual footballing lines as to what might get Dale back into the game: (A) a moment of brilliance, (B) a mistake or (C) a set piece.

On seventy seven minutes options A and B put in an appearance.

With the game seemingly won Shrewsbury had set themselves to protect their hard won lead. In what appeared to be a final desperate throw of the dice - Dale went 4-3-3. Rundle being given a free role in midfield.

Perhaps the men of Shropshire were confused when Rundle popped up on the right - because he had acres of space to deliver a ball forward from just inside the Shrews half. Coughlan's untidy clearance found it's way directly to Dagnall. From twenty yards out, Dagnall controlled, Dagnall launched, Dagnall scored. 1-1!

With thirteen minutes left on the clock Shrewsbury repeated their performance at Spotland and collapsed. Dale scented blood in the water and pressed forward. Having set themselves for defence, Shrewsbury seemed incapable of recovering from their tauper. The closing moments were all Rochdale and but for the thickness of a coat of paint, Thorpe's late header could have delivered a thoroughly unlikely winner for Dale.

When Mr. East finally indicated the end of procedings, things were all square at 1-1.

Summary:

Gutsy. No one would have been surprised if Rochdale had given in at 1-0 down. But they didn't. In spite of an untrammeled battering in the first half Rochdale managed to hold themselves together - even after some sketchy defending had led to Shrewsbury's opener, Dale continued to persevere.

Admittedly, Dagnall's goal represented pretty much the best of Dales's efforts on goal - but what an effort! He had looked to be building to something against Port Vale - today he delivered.

Sometime's you footbal teams to death - sometimes you get away with it. Dale stay fifth.

Turner Watch:

Mr. Turner has got talent - Ant and Dec beckon.

13/04/09