This weekends game was always going to be a big one, not because of the opposition in Rochdale, but because of the importance of getting a result, getting things back on track after a dissapointing loss to Swindon in Mondays west country derby and boy are the wheels turning again.
This isn't usually a fixture that produces great games, thirteen of twenty-two league results between the two sides ending in draws. I remember being at one of those games, a 0-0 in September 2006, Richard Walker missing a penalty for the Gas. But until yesterday that was the last we had seen of Rochdale at the mem as Rovers won promotiion at the end of that season. That can't be labelled as too much of a surprise either, Rochdale being in any division except the bottom being a rarity, the club having spent 36 consecutive years in what would come to be known as League 2 until their automatic promotion last term.
Coming into the match Rochdale had lost their previous two games, both 1-0's against west country opposition in Exeter and Yeovil while Rovers had that aforementioned loss to Swindon. With Dale in the higher league position, though, this match could have gone either way and if it weren't for a bit of luck which saw the ball rebound off of Mikkel Andersen's right hand post it could have gone to Rochdale. As it was, however, Rovers took the lead on the stroke of half time, Marcus Holness tripping Jo Kuffour in the area and Jeff Hughes bundling a soft penalty past Josh Lillis, who would have been dissapointed not to get more behind the spot kick. That first half was another drag for Rovers fans, lots of long balls and deep defensive play meant that both sides looked as if they deserved to lose, but during the half time team talk, Paul Trollope must have put some fire in the belly of the Rovers players.
The second half got off to a much better start, Rovers looking brighter and passing the ball around with comfort. Will Hoskins, arguably signing of the season, was unlucky not to score when some good head control lead to a shooting oppurtunity, only for the keeper to deny his lob. But in the end it was Hoskins who teed up Chris Lines to score the second and give the Gas some breathing space. It was a cracking finish from Lines, who turned around a few mediocre performances so far this season by taking control of the attacking play in the second half.
Unfortunately for Rovers there was unnecessary pressure towards the end of the game, Byron Anthony turning a cross into his own net to set up a tense finish but the home side held firm and prevented an equaliser, the referee ending the game after four and a half minutes injury time to give Rovers the victory that their second half display deserved.
The man of the match award went to Will Hoskins, a constant threat throughout the match, setting up the second Rovers goal, but could also have easily gone to Byron Anthony who, despite his own goal, held the Rovers line well and won numerous defensive headers all game. The surprise team selection was that of Charlie Reece. He replaced John Akinde in the starting line up, moving to the right had side of midfield, and showed great ability to get into some good positions linking up especially well with full back Carl Regan. Some work needs to be done on his crossing ability but that aside he proved a good option for Paul Trollope. Reece's place on the right also allowed Will Hoskins to move back into his preferred position in the front two where he was able to excel.
The biggest question mark of the day has to hang over the head of Danny Coles who once again had a poor game. It's been a difficult season for Coles, who had his injury problems the previous year, finding it difficult to get back to full fitness and find some form to boot. His distribution during the match was made up of far too many hopeful long balls up to strikers who were easily dominated by much bigger centre halfs.
What the Blackthorn End were up to, though, I don't know. 'We're the left side, we're the left side, we're the left side over here' and then the same for the right side, ad nausuem, was just a little bit crazy, but fair play, it was one of the best atmospheres heard at the mem for a good few games, although what the Rochdale fans must have thought, I don't know.
If Rovers can keep playing as they did in the second half then they have good potential this season to push towards upper mid table and make further progress. Some were calling for a play off push this season but I think that might be just out of reach, but keeping plying away and who knows, we might just see something special.
Goodnight Irene
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