[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

September 2005 Review: Match Reports

Keytech Performance of the Month

Saturday 10 September 2005: Macclesfield Town 1 ROCHDALE 4

Inspired by Man of the Match and former Silkmen hero Rickie Lambert, Rochdale chalked up their best result in the League under the new tutelage of Mark Duell. The scoring began just before the half hour, right-back Jamie Clarke played a delicious 45 yard through ball to striker Blair Sturrock and the striker coolly scored his third of the season. In the 68th minute it was 2-0, Sturrock feeding Lambert and he skipped past Danny Swailes and then drove the ball low past Fettis for his second goal of the season.

Macc gained a lifeline four minutes later when Gavin Skelton was adjudged to have brought down Allan Russell and Clyde Wijnhard sent Gilks the wrong way from the spot. The Dale restored their 2 goal advantage in the 77th minute, substitute David Mannix’s chipped pass found fellow sub Grant Holt who was tripped by Swailes and Holt picked himself up to beat Fettis from the resultant penalty. It was four in the 80th minute, Gilks’ long goal kick was headed on by Njazi Kuqi and Holt comfortably beat Fettis for his second goal of the game and fourth of the season.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Goodhind, Skelton - Kalenga - Cooksey (Mannix), Warner, Lambert - Kuqi, Sturrock (Holt). Unused substitutes: Gallimore, McArdle, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Cooksey, Clarke
Man of the Match: Rickie Lambert (Rochdale)
Attendance: 1,888
Referee: Andy Martin (Stafford)

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Other Matches

Saturday 3 September 2005: ROCHDALE 1 Stockport County 1

Local rivals Rochdale and Stockport were forced share the spoils in a keenly contested local derby at Spotland this afternoon. Dale took the lead a minute from half time when Warner’s pass found Blair Sturrock and he in turn found debut making Njazi Kuqi, who dribbled past Michael Raynes, before launching a low but powerful shot into the net. County levelled just before the hour, Gareth Griffiths tripped Tes Bramble 25 yards out and full back Mark Robinson stepped up to curl free-kick into the far top corner.

Team: Gilks - Clarke (Gallimore), Griffiths ©, Goodhind, Skelton - Kalenga - Cooksey, Warner, Lambert - Kuqi, Sturrock. Unused substitutes: Tait, McArdle, Mannix, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Tes Bramble (Stockport County)
Attendance: 4,061
Referee: Simon Beck (Bristol)

Saturday 17 September 2005: Torquay United 1 ROCHDALE 1

Leon Constantine’s goal was enough to gain a point for his side, and sentence Mark Duell’s Rochdale side to their fourth draw in their last five games. Rochdale took a 13th minute lead when the recalled Tony Gallimore played the ball down the line and Sturrock crossed for Ernie Cooksey to head home his 4th goal of the season. The Gulls equalised in the 73rd minute when Sturrock tried to play the ball back to Warren Goodhind but home striker Alan Connell nipped in first to cross for an unmarked Constantine to make no mistake.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Goodhind, Gallimore - Kalenga - Cooksey, Brisco (Mannix), Lambert - Kuqi, Sturrock (Holt). Unused substitutes: McArdle, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Rickie Lambert (Rochdale)
Attendance: 4,565
Referee: Gary Rutherford (Bolton)

Saturday 24 September 2005: ROCHDALE 1 Boston United 1

Rochdale’s lack of killing teams off came back to haunt them again as visitors Boston left Spotland with a deserved draw this afternoon. Again Dale had the perfect start with an early goal, Ben Futcher’s misjudged pass went straight to Njazi Kuqi and the loanee from Birmingham needed no further invitation to open the scoring. Boston’s equaliser came in the 62nd minute, left back Scott Barron picked out Jason Lee with a superb 50 yard pass and the veteran striker was clean through to score past an exposed Matt Gilks.

Team: Gilks – Clarke, Griffiths ©, Goodhind, Gallimore – Kalenga – Cooksey, Brisco, Lambert – Kuqi (Holt), Sturrock (Mannix). Unused substitutes: McArdle, Skelton, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Brisco, Clarke
Man of the Match: Scott Barron (Boston United)
Attendance: 3,939
Referee: David Peters (Durham City)

Tuesday 27 September 2005: Oxford United 2 ROCHDALE 0

Two clangers of enormous proportions by Dale goalkeeper Matthew Gilks helped Oxford to a comfortable home win and increase the pressure on Rochdale’s rookie manager Mark Duell tonight. His first came in the 28th minute when he fluffed a routine back pass straight to Lee Bradbury and although he parried the shot, Craig Davies was on hand to put the rebound into the net. With 15 minutes left, Gilks did it again with a similar mistake and this time Davies finished first time past the red faced Dale number one.

Team: Gilks - Clarke (Goodhind), Griffiths ©, McArdle, Gallimore - Kalenga - Cooksey (Jones), Brisco, Lambert - Holt (Sturrock), Kuqi. Unused substitutes: Mannix, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Griffiths
Man of the Match: Craig Davies (Oxford United)
Attendance: 4,031
Referee: Gary Ives (Canvey Island)

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

September 2005 Review: Manager's Opinion

What have I done to deserve this?

These might have been the last notes ever if I had my wish granted the other day, especially after an evening that we all want to forget. Why so? Well, read on Dale supporter and you will discover…

September began with a hard task, a local derby with rivals Stockport. Sure I know what is meant by derby games and this was no exception. Blood and thunder and the game played at 100 miles an hour so much so that if you blinked you might have missed something. I gave Njazi (Kuqi) an instant debut in place of the injured Grant (Holt) and he repaid me instantly with his first goal just before half time. But we sat back, and that is something I think is unacceptable, and my former pupil at Hartlepool Mark Robinson duly punished us with an excellent free-kick. Always had a sweet left foot he did…

However, we stepped up to the plate in our next game: at Moss Rose, Macclesfield. We bossed it from first to last whistle and they had no answer to our play. It was simply breathtaking, and considering how well we played at Wrexham last month, that takes some doing. Rickie was unplayable against his old team, so much the home fans were in awe of his abilities at the end; applauding every touch. What surprised me though was how long it took us to score, but once we did it was a case of how many. Rickie got a deserved goal, and a nice substitute cameo from Grant to score twice. Can’t be bad, can it?

I really thought we would build on this at Torquay, despite on having 15 players available for selection thanks to Gavin Skelton oversleeping and missing the coach down to Devon. We have dealt that internally, so nothing else needs to be said. A good start, an early goal but we went back to old habits - sitting back and leaving Constantine unmarked for the equaliser. That’s just basically criminal and won’t do.

More of the same happened when we entertained the Boston Pilgrims. Njazi scored an early goal, captialising on a horrendous error by the big central defender and we were in control. Or so I thought. How we allowed their left-back to ping a 50 yard ball over the top of everyone is beyond me, I bet Jason Lee will never score anything else easier this season. We had to respond again in midweek at Oxford…

This was the nightmare now becoming a reality as two mistakes from the dependable Matt sentenced us to defeat and only one win in our last seven matches. Normally I would have put my mortgage on him dealing with a routine back pass but not once but twice he f**ked up! As a team we were a shambles, and I was sat in the dressing room thinking why? It came to a head the following day when I left training in the coaches’ hands and instead requested a meeting with the Chairman. I asked him if I could resign, I thought I had bitten too much off. Much to my chagrin, he refused steadfastly - saying he believed in me. I’ve made it clear though, another month of results like these and I will walk. The players now have to change, or else… These are their final chances.

Up the Dale!

Mark

Gilks: His errors caused off-pitch drama

[Poolie Exile]

Updates for the months of October and November should be up before Saturday dinner-time.

Just a wee bit pulled out with it at work! It's hectic as hell hence not much time to update yet.

Watch this space though...

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

October 2005 Review: Match Reports

Keytech Performance of the Month

29 October 2005: Grimsby Town 1 ROCHDALE 3

Rochdale produced an excellent second half performance at Blundell Park and maintain their unbeaten record for the month of October. The Mariners had taken the lead in first added on time when Michael Reddy’s right wing cross was headed home at the near post by midfielder Terry Barwick. Dale equalised in the 59th minute when Rickie Lambert unselfishly set up Gary Jones for his first goal of the season. It was 2-1 to the visitors seven minutes later when Stephen Mildenhall parried a Lambert into the path of Grant Holt for the striker’s seventh of the season. Holt added his second and the side’s 3rd of the afternoon in the 75th minute when he dispossessed home defender Rob Jones and took the ball before cracking home a shot that went in off the far post.

Team: Gilks - Clarke (McArdle), Griffiths ©, Boardman, Gallimore - Kalenga - Jones, Cooksey, Skelton (Mannix) - Holt, Lambert. Unused substitutes: Goodhind, Sturrock, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Clarke, Kalenga
Man of the Match: Grant Holt (Rochdale)
Attendance: 5,012
Referee: Glenn Turner (Chesterfield)

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Other Matches

1 October 2005: ROCHDALE 3 Shrewsbury Town 1

Rochdale got back to winning ways this afternoon with a comprehensive 3-1 triumph over visitors Shrewsbury Town. It took the home side just seven minutes to open the scoring when a classic counter attack saw Njazi Kuqi nip past Jamie Tolley and then cross for Rickie Lambert to net his 3rd of the season with a venomous strike. Dale almost made it 2-0 in the 58th minute when Paul Linwood held back Kuqi but Joe Hart saved Grant Holt’s penalty. Two minutes it was 2-0 though, another counter attack ended with Neil Brisco tapping in his first of the season.

Shrews pulled a goal back two minutes later when Ben Smith headed down Paul Green’s cross for Mark Stallard to volley home. The game was made secure in the 81st minute when Linwood saw red for a professional foul on Kuqi as he broke clear and then moments later Hart screwed his routine clearance to Gavin Skelton who steered it into the empty net for his first ever goal for Rochdale.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, McArdle, Gallimore (Skelton) - Kalenga (Goodhind) - Jones, Brisco, Lambert - Holt (Sturrock), Kuqi. Unused substitutes: Mannix, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Rickie Lambert (Rochdale)
Attendance: 3,350
Referee: Craig Barker (Leeds)

8 October 2005: Peterborough United 0 ROCHDALE 1

A second half goal from Gavin Skelton was enough to settle this encounter at London Road this afternoon and give his side a second successive win. Skelton struck his second in as many games when Marc Kalenga and Gary Jones set up the former Gretna man to beat Mark Tyler. Peterborough’s day was compounded in the 82nd minute when Peter Kennedy picked his second yellow card following a foul on David Mannix; leaving referee Gould no option to send him off.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, McArdle, Gallimore - Kalenga - Jones (Cartwright), Brisco (Mannix), Skelton (Sturrock) - Holt, Lambert. Unused substitutes: Goodhind, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Marc Kalenga (Rochdale)
Attendance: 2,952
Referee: Ray Gould (Derby)

15 October 2005: Leyton Orient 1 ROCHDALE 1

A last gasp equaliser from Jamie Hand denied Rochdale a third win in a row at Brisbane Road today. Hand struck in added on time from Gary Alexander’s pass to rescue a point for his side and leave Rochdale deflated. The visitors had taken the lead in the 69th minute when a well worked move saw Marc Kalenga play a superb defence splitting pass for substitute Njazi Kuqi to rifle home past Glyn Garner. Then just as Rochdale thought it was game won, came Hand’s late late intervention…

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Boardman, Gallimore - Kalenga - Cartwright (Mannix), Cooksey, Skelton - Holt (Kuqi), Lambert. Unused substitutes: Goodhind, Warner, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Gavin Skelton (Rochdale)
Attendance: 4,481
Referee: Gary Rutherford (Bolton)

18 October 2005: LDV Vans Trophy Northern Section First Round. Rotherham United 0 ROCHDALE 2

Rochdale produced a superb away showing to win this LDV Vans Trophy match at Millmoor this evening. Goals in either half from Njazi Kuqi and Grant Holt secured the victory for Mark Duell’s men. Kuqi opened the scoring with his 4th of the season on the half hour when the home side backed off from Holt and he set his strike partner up to beat Gary Montgomery. The same players combined to provide the second in the 66th minute when Kuqi slipped through a superb defence spiltting pass for Holt to take on and send in a shot from an acute angle into the far corner.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Boardman, Gallimore - Kalenga (McArdle) - Jones, Cooksey, Lambert (Mannix) - Holt, Kuqi (Sturrock). Unused substitutes: Goodhind, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Ernie Cooksey (Rochdale)
Attendance: 1,526
Referee: Paul Melin (Surrey)

22 October 2005: ROCHDALE 2 Carlisle United 2

An exciting game at Spotland this afternoon saw four goals, and a share of the points for its combatants. Dale took the lead in the 10th minute when Jamie Clarke’s throw was flicked on by Grant Holt and Njazi Kuqi scored his 5th goal of the season. The Cumbrians were level just after the hour when a counter attack saw Raphael Nadè finish with a 30 yard screamer into Matt Gilks’ net. The home side regained the lead after 70 minutes when Rickie Lambert spilt open the visiting defence with a superb and Holt beat Westwood for his 8th goal of the season. However, Carlisle were at 2-2 four minutes later Karl Hawley heading home Zigor Aranlade’s left wing cross past Gilks.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Boardman (McArdle), Gallimore - Kalenga - Lambert, Cooksey, Skelton - Holt, Kuqi (Sturrock). Unused substitutes: Goodhind, Mannix, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Raphael Nadè (Carlisle United)
Attendance: 4,122
Referee: Paul Griffin (Lowestoft)

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

October 2005 Review: Manager's Opinion

Now that's more like it!

I had thought long about my future after the nightmare that was Oxford. Now I am glad that the Chairman stuck to his guns and refused my request, and it’s obvious to see that his faith has been justified.

We knew we had to bounce back after it, we had to. If we didn’t then the hard work in the first month would have been continued to have been wasted totally. And boy did we respond, and what better than in front of our own fans. Shrewsbury caught us smarting, and we showed what we are capable of with a good win over them. I have worked hard to instill an ability to play on the counter attack, and two of the goals showed why it was worth the effort.

At Peterborough we knew were going to be in for a hard game, and it proved so. One goal was all it took to decide, and I would have settled for that before the first whistle. Gavin (Skelton) scored it, his second in succession, and it was down to some great work by Marc (Kalenga) who is improving all the time. We had to defend resolutely, and that’s what we did. Two wins in a row, and things were looking good.

I really thought we had done enough to win at Brisbane Road the week after, I really did. Njazi came back after missing the Posh game through international commitments and said he felt he would be best served starting from the bench. Reluctantly I agreed, and it proved to be a pretty good decision when he gave us the lead just a matter of minutes after coming on. However, we felt that we had another maximum haul taken away as the “goal” came into time added onto time added on. But it taught us a lesson, always be focused from first to last whistle.

The LDV trophy is much maligned trophy, but you can be assured we are taking it very very serious here at Rochdale. It offers the lower league sides a chance to play a final in a more prestigious stadium and gives the supporters a good day out. I rested Gavin, but felt the side that started would give Rotherham a game. And they did, in fact they controlled it to perfect. Njazi and Grant (Holt) are proving to be a good combination when they start together, and that is pleasing for me and the Club as a whole.

I would have to admit that the home match against Carlisle was a thrilling game, a great one for the neutral. Both sides were up for it, and out to entertain the crowd inside Spotland. We led, they fought back, we levelled, honours even. If it had been in the Premiership, then people would have been talking about it. Mind you, Nadè’s goal from that distance was a splendid strike – even I couldn’t help but applaud it!

We finished the month with a trip to Grimsby, well it’s actually Cleethorpes if you want to be picky. I took the players to the beach before the game, treated them all to a candy floss apiece and hoped it would be beneficial in relaxing them pre-match. When we came in at half time, I thought it was a bad idea as we were losing but a few quick reminders – nothing too harsh – settled the lads down and the second half performance was a joy to watch. It completed a perfect month’s work for us.

Now we have to keep to the high standards we have set, and continue to move in the right direction which I know we are capable of.

Up the Dale!

Mark

Jamie Clarke: Playing a crucial role in the revival

[svetlio91]

I want to play network game with anyone write me here or on my skype svetlio-cska

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

November 2005 Review: Match Reports

Keytech Performance of the Month

22 November 2005: LDV Vans Trophy Northern Section Second Round. ROCHDALE 1 Barnsley 0

Rochdale advanced to the next stage with a superb triumph over their higher divisional opponents. The game’s only goal came in the 67th minute when Ernie Cooksey found Rory McArdle (still up from a free-kick) and his cross was headed home by the prolific Grant Holt. Barnsley had chances, but striker Paul Hayes was the public enemy as he wasted many opportunities when well placed.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, McArdle, Gallimore - Kalenga - Jones, Lambert, Cooksey (Goodhind) - Holt, Kuqi (Sturrock). Unused substitutes: Cartwright, Brisco, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Marc Kalenga (Rochdale)
Attendance: 3,304
Referee: Graham Salisbury (Preston)

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Other matches:

5 November 2005: FA Cup First Round. ROCHDALE 0 Nottingham Forest 3

Former giants of the game Nottingham Forest took their place in the second round draw with a comfortable win at Spotland this afternoon. Forest were ahead as early as the seventh minute when Paul Evans’ cross was diverted into his own net by the luckless Tony Gallimore. Grant Holt had Dale’s best chance but found Paul Gerrard in good form. In the 54th minute, Rochdale centre-half Jonathan Boardman saw red for a professional foul on Gareth Taylor as the striker broke clear and to rub salt into the wounds, Evans despatched the free-kick into the net. Forest added a third in the final minute, Taylor heading home Kris Commons’ left wing cross at the near post.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Boardman, Gallimore - Kalenga - Jones, Cooksey (McArdle), Skelton - Holt (Sturrock), Lambert (Brisco). Unused substitutes: Mannix, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Cooksey
Sent Off: Boardman
Man of the Match: Ian Breckin (Nottingham Forest)
Attendance: 6,743
Referee: Mick Fletcher (Warley)

9 November 2005: ROCHDALE 2 Lincoln City 2

A last minute own goal gained a point for Rochdale tonight as Lincoln City showed why they are one of the teams’ at the head of the table. Dale were ahead after 19 minutes, Rickie Lambert’s free kick was headed home by Grant Holt for his 9th of the season but Lincoln were level within nine minutes Stephen O’Leary crossing for Gareth Sproule to head past Gilks. Lincoln took the lead in the 54th minute, Tony Gallimore’s headed back pass never reached Gilks and Francis Green took full advantage to finish low past the stranded keeper. The match had entered in the first minute of three added on minutes when Dale rescued a point, Holt’s shot was parried by Alan Marriott and the ball hit an unfortunate Nat Brown to roll into the empty net and send the home fans jumping about with joy.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, McArdle, Gallimore (Cooksey) - Kalenga - Jones, Lambert, Skelton - Holt, Kuqi (Sturrock). Unused substitutes: Goodhind, Mannix, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Grant Holt (Rochdale)
Attendance: 3,999
Referee: Simon Beck (Bristol)

12 November 2005: ROCHDALE 2 Darlington 1

Rochdale’s unbeaten run continued with a good win over visitors Darlington at Spotland this afternoon. Dale were ahead in the 32nd minute when Sam Russell’s free kick from his own half was intercepted by Rory McArdle and the centre half sent a long ball forward which was picked up by Grant Holt who scored his 10th goal of the season past Russell. It became 2-0 in 62 minutes, Jamie Clarke’s throw in was headed away by Peter Weatherson as far as Marc Kalenga and he touched the ball onto Rickie Lambert who drilled home a long range effort for his 4th of the campaign. Darlington scored what was merely a consolation in the final seconds, Jake Sagare found Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu and he finished low past Matt Gilks.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, McArdle, Gallimore - Kalenga - Jones, Lambert, Skelton (Cooksey) - Holt, Kuqi (Brisco). Unused substitutes: Goodhind, Sturrock, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Kalenga
Man of the Match: Gareth Griffiths (Rochdale)
Attendance: 4,143
Referee: David Peters (Durham City)

19 November 2005: Bury 1 ROCHDALE 2

Rochdale took the honours in today’s derby clash at Gigg Lane thanks to a brace of goals from leading scorer Grant Holt. Holt gave his side the lead in the 19th minute when he headed home left-back Tony Gallimore’s cross. Two minutes into the second half Bury level, Matt Tipton crossed and on-loan striker John McAliskey headed in. Holt thought he had put his side ahead again in the 81st minute when he converted a pass from Ernie Cooksey and scored but a linesman’s flag ruled it out. The striker wasn’t to be denied though when a minute later he latched onto Rickie Lambert’s through ball, turned Fitzgerald, and literally passed the ball into the net for his 12th of the campaign.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, McArdle, Gallimore - Kalenga - Jones (Brisco), Lambert, Skelton - Holt, Kuqi (Cooksey). Unused substitutes: Goodhind, Sturrock, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Griffiths
Man of the Match: Grant Holt (Rochdale)
Attendance: 2,694
Referee: Simon Beck (Bristol)

26 November 2005: ROCHDALE 4 Wycombe Wanderers 1

Rochdale bounced back from conceding a goal to their visitors to comprehensively record a superb win and take their unbeaten run to nine league games. The Chairboys took a 20th minute lead when Clint Easton’s long ball found Nathan Tyson in the clear and he made no mistake past an exposed Gilks. Five minutes from the break, Dale levelled matters when Marc Kalenga set up Rickie Lambert with a low drive for a 5th goal of the season. The second half was just eight minutes old when Dale were ahead. Njazi Kuqi started and finished an excellent move that saw him chip Dean Brill beautifully.

In the 65th minute, it was 3-1 with another well crafted goal by a Rochdale side brimming with confidence. Kuqi scoring his second of the match, and 7th of the season with a low drive beyond Brill. The rout was complete with two minutes left, Kuqi’s shot was diverted into the net by the poacher supreme Grant Holt for a 14th goal of the season.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, McArdle, Gallimore - Kalenga - Jones (Brisco), Lambert, Cooksey (Cartwright) - Holt (Sturrock), Kuqi. Unused substitutes: Goodhind, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Griffiths
Man of the Match: Njazi Kuqi (Rochdale)
Attendance: 4,547
Referee: Paul Griffin (Lowestoft)

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

November 2005 Review: Manager's Opinion

Say we are unbeatable... (well, almost)

How fortunes can change in a matter of months. One minute we’re struggling and I am on the verge of walking out and heading back to Hartlepool with my tail firmly between my legs - now we are literally flying! Another unbeaten month.

The month started with a testing encounter in the First Round of the FA Cup. I’m a true romantic when it comes to this to be honest. It’s the best Cup competition in the world by far, and to those who think it has lost its glamour in recent times … I digress! Anyway we were given a hard ask, knocking out the famous Nottingham Forest albeit with home advantage. Everybody knows now what happened. We suffered an early blow, and never really recovered from it. Jonathan’s sending off was justified, the rules were there and he broke them so no qualms about that. Although we gave it a good go, it was just simply not good enough.

One of the best sides we’ve played are Lincoln City, and that so happened to be our next game. Lincoln play a game which is hard to adjust to, and combat successfully. The game flowed from start to finish, and that must be creditable to the sides and the performance of the officials. We led, they bounced back to equalise, they led and then we got out of jail with a comical own goal. Mind you, I am sure that Nat Brown will think otherwise. You have to take a goal how ever it comes about, and that’s why we weren’t moaning at the end.

Each of you know by now that I am a Hartlepool lad, born and bred and as such as I was brought up a Pools supporter. Our third home game in the space of a week saw Hartlepool’s nearest and dearest, Darlington, head our way. Well, naturally I wanted us to win. This was in my eyes, the game I wanted to win more than everything. It’s just in my blood to be honest, and we didn’t disappoint. Darlington have some good players but when we are prepared to lift it, we do exactly what is said on the tin. Even when they scored in injury time at the end of the match, I was not worried. It set us fine for the following week…

After the joy what was my own personal one, we faced a local derby with Bury. Bragging rights were on the table for the teams and their fans, it means that much to beat each other. Like the encounter at Stockport two months earlier, it was a typical derby encounter and this time I was in the mood to win and give our fans the boost they wanted. Grant was the man, two excellently taken goals and a third chalked off for an apparent offside. He has scored goals for fun so far, and deserves the praise. With him in such red hot form, we know we always are capable of winning a game.

What I have just said certainly rings true, and with it more joy in the LDV. I said last month that I quite like the competition for the reasons of it gives the finalists fans a great day and we are now gearing up for a decent run. We took our game to a new level, and unceremonisly dumped out League One side Barnsley in a game a few would have given us a chance to win. Mind you, if Paul Hayes had brought his shooting boots with him that night then we could have been on the wrong end of a hiding. As it was, he had one of the nights strikers detest and we took full advantage. Brilliant!

November ended with another win, and another comprehensive one. Wycombe have one of the best strikers in the division in Nathan Tyson, and when he scored I feared the worst as our backline were struggling to keep him quiet. But we regained our composure and in Njazi we have another match winner on our hands. I am so pleased to have secured his services for the season. Njazi complements Grant well, and fits in well with the tactics we adopt. He personally took upon himself to keep our run going and terrorised their defence so much so that even at the very end he was still unplayable. 4-1, and it could have been more…

Now we enter a crunch month of December having come so far in such a short period of time. Come out of this well, and we feel anything is possible. Your support will be invaluable, so let’s hear it loud and proud!

Up the Dale!

Mark

Holt: His goals made it a great month for Rochdale

[Ferenczi]

Coupla good months have got you back on track :thup:

You beat us though...:|

KIU mate

[Poolie Exile]

McArdle won't be staying on
Posted on: Fri 16 Dec 2005

Rochdale's push for promotion today suffered a major blow when on loan central defender Rory McArdle was refused permission by his parent club Sheffield Wednesday to extend his spell at Spotland.

The highly rated 19 year old Northern Ireland Youth international was signed on an initial half season loan from the South Yorkshire club, and manager Mark Duell was keen to keep him for the remainder of the season. However, Wednesday manager Paul Sturrock, father of Dale striker Blair, has decided to not renew the loan agreement and instead recall the player back to Hillsborough when the deal expires on 31 December.

Mark Duell had this to say:

"Obviously we would have loved to have keep Rory here at Spotland but Wednesday have indicated they need him back and we have to reluctantly agree. He (Rory) has become a real fans' favourite and whilst this news has not been what we wanted, we know we have to move on and find a suitable replacement.

We will watch any developments closely, and Dale fans can be assured if we can get Rory back at any time, then we will not hesitate to do so. I would like to thank him though for the way he has conducted himself during his time here and wish him all the best for the future."

Rory McArdle was equally as disappointed, and in a statement he told Dale World:

"I am sad to be leaving Rochdale as I have really enjoyed my time here. The fans have been brilliant, they will be always be in my heart and I will never forget them. I also have nothing but praise for the way Mark plays his football, he certainly is a good manager to play under and I hope brings Rochdale the success they crave for. Now I know I have to get my head down and when I return to Hillsborough, prove I am good enough to be in their first team."

Hear the full views on Dale World by clicking HERE

McArdle in action

[Shedender]

This is a tremendous story mate, arguably one of the best on the scene.

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

December 2005 Review: Match Reports

Keytech Performance of the Month

6 December 2005: Barnet 0 ROCHDALE 3

Three goals in the space of 15 second half minutes continued Rochdale's superb recent form under Mark Duell at Underhill tonight. Dale took the lead in the 55th minute when Bees' on-loan keeper Joe Lewis dallied on a routine back pass, and Dale top scorer Grant Holt nipped in to dispossess him and score into an empty net. The away fans were celebrating again after 66 minutes when Tony Gallimore found fellow full-back Jamie Clarke with a superb crossfield pass and his cross was powerfully headed home by Njazi Kuqi.

Dale secured the points four minutes later when Gallimore's throw was played into Rickie Lambert's path and the midfielder scored his 5th of the season with a superb banana shot which left Lewis with no chance.

Team: Gilks - Clark (Goodhind), Griffiths ©, McArdle, Gallimore - Kalenga - Brisco (Mannix), Lambert, Cooksey (Cartwright) - Holt, Kuqi. Unused substitutes: Sturrock, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Njazi Kuqi (Rochdale)
Attendance: 4,619
Referee: Ian Harris (Truro)

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Other matches:

10 December 2005: ROCHDALE 3 Cheltenham Town 0

For the second game running, Rochdale scored three goals without reply and continued their impressive unbeaten streak. The opening goal came in the 20th minute when a Cheltenham corner was punched clear by Matt Gilks into the path of Rory McArdle who then picked out Gary Jones rampaging forward. Jones saw his shot hit the bar but fellow midfielder Neil Brisco was on hand to net the rebound. Eight minutes from the break, Njazi Kuqi's cross was punched clear by Shane Higgs but straight at the feet of Rickie Lambert who returned it back with interest and double the lead.

In time added on at the end, Dale made it three. Substitute Blair Sturrock picked out Grant Holt and the number nine did the rest for his 16th of the season.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, McArdle, Gallimore - Kalenga - Brisco (Cartwright), Lambert, Jones (Mannix) - Holt, Kuqi (Sturrock). Unused substitutes: Goodhind, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Griffiths, Brisco, McArdle
Man of the Match: Jamie Clarke (Rochdale)
Attendance: 4,428
Referee: David Peters (Durham City)

17 December 2005: ROCHDALE 2 Mansfield Town 1

Goals in the first 25 minutes were enough to make it six wins in a row for Rochdale this afternoon at Spotland. After only 5 minutes Dale were in front when Rickie Lambert's free kick was headed home by stand in captain Grant Holt, and it was two twenty minutes later following a suicidal back pass by Gareth Jelleyman which never reached Kevin Pressman, Dale midfielder Gary Jones nipped in to send in a skidding 35 yard drive past the veteran custodian.

Town pulled one back in the 76th minute when Adam Birchall converted Chris Beardsley's pull back from the by line but finished the game with ten men when Rhys Day tripped Holt for a second yellow card and a resultant red from referee Bob Desmond.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Boardman, McArdle, Gallimore - Kalenga - Mannix, Lambert, Jones (Skelton) - Holt ©, Kuqi. Unused substitutes: Goodhind, Cooksey, Sturrock, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Jones
Man of the Match: Grant Holt (Rochdale)
Attendance: 4,520
Referee: Bob Desmond (Swindon)

20 December 2005: LDV Vans Trophy Northern Section Quarter Final. Accrington Stanley 1 ROCHDALE 2

Non league Stanley were within 17 minutes of making the semi-finals until Rochdale suddenly found their range and dumped their hosts out with two late goals. Stanley took a 25th minute lead when Ian Craney's long ball found David Brown clean through and he made no mistake past Matt Gilks. Andrew Mangan then had further chances to extend the lead but couldn't convert before Dale levelled in the 73rd minute. Gavin Skelton's cross was headed goalwards by Grant Holt but somehow Alcock decided to try and punch it clear rather than save and he then saw Rickie Lambert thunder the loose ball past him.

Dale's winner came in the 77th minute when Gary Jones found Njazi Kuqi, and for once the Finn escpaed from the attentions of Andy Wilkinson before firing a low shot into the far corner.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Boardman, Gallimore - Warner, Mannix (Cooksey), Lambert, Skelton - Holt (Jones), Kuqi. Unused substitutes: McArdle, Sturrock, Boardman.
Booked: Warner, Kuqi
Man of the Match: Andy Wilkinson (Accrington Stanley)
Attendance: 1,908
Referee: Steve Tanner (Bristol)

26 December 2005: ROCHDALE 1 Notts County 1

A goal for each side just before half time was enough to share the spoils at Spotland on Boxing Day. County were ahead in the 37th minute when Shaun Marshall's long kick was weakly headed back by Rory McArdle - making his final Spotland appearance before his loan expired - and Stuart Fleeetwood pounced to beat the exposed Matt Gilks. Dale levelled a minute from the break, Rickie Lambert's pass was superbly weighted and Blair Sturrock (on as a substitute for the luckless Njazi Kuqi) volleyed home his fourth of the season. The second half saw County go close with Fleetwood a constant danger.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, McArdle, Gallimore - Kalenga - Jones, Lambert, Skelton - Holt, Kuqi (Sturrock). Unused substitutes: Cooksey, Boardman, Mannix, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Stuart Fleetwood (Notts County)
Attendance: 4,468
Referee: Andy Perlejewski (Bournemouth)

28 December 2005: Chester City 1 ROCHDALE 1

A second successive 1-1 draw for Rochdale, but a result that extends the unbeaten run which they are under to 14 matches. The match was a lacklustre affair, but Dale were ahead in the 52nd minute when Sturrock outstripped Stewart Drummond for pace before crossing for Grant Holt to head home his 18th goal of the season. Drummond was at the heart of the equaliser for City, his weighted pass finding Ryan Lowe and he cracked home the leveller past Matt Gilks with just five minutes left to go.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, McArdle, Goodall - Jones, Lambert, Skelton (Cooksey) - Holt, Sturrock (Tait). Unused substitutes: Boardman, Mannix, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Kalenga, Skelton
Man of the Match: Gary Jones (Rochdale)
Attendance: 1,797
Referee: Bob Desmond (Swindon)

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

December 2005 Review: Manager's Opinion

It gets better, doesn't it?

Another action packed month in charge of Rochdale, and another month where we have managed to stay unbeaten. Contrast the scenes now to that at the end of September when I was prepared to walk out - now I really know that David (Kilpatrick) was right to tell me that no way he was gonna let me walk out.

The first Saturday of the month normally would have been Second Round day in the FA Cup but since we got knocked out by Forest last month then it was a free weekend for us all. So we had a light training session in the morning before we all went our separate ways and did our own thing in the afternoon. The lads appreciated the relaxed nature of it I know, because they were smiling all throughout the session. After training I headed over to Sheffield to see my Mam and Dad, and had Rory in the car with me as he wanted to go and see some friends. He really wants to stay here, I can see it in his eyes...

Our first game in December was a Tuesday night match in North London to play Barnet at Underhill. Underhill has a very pronounced slope on it and that makes it hard for a passing team like ourselves. But I told the lads to stick to the methods they know but also be prepared to change it around to confuse our hosts. At half time with us drawing I would have settled for it, but in the second 45 we showed commitment in abundance. It obviously unnerved the Bees keeper who dropped an almighty clanger for our first; probably the easiest goal Grant will ever score! After that we were in total control and goals from Njazi and Rickie secured a professional job well done.

One thing that has impressed me recently is your support. You have come back in your hundreds and we now seems to be getting attendances in excess of 4,000. It shows the team, and dare I say me, must be doing something right. So we entertained Cheltenham next, and had the game won by half time again by doing the simple things. Practice what is preached is one of my philosophies, and the players know it. The counter attack style we have adopted is producing its rewards, and the first goal showed it. Rickie then scored again, another superb long range effort and predictably it was left to Grant to complete it at the end with a typical finish.

Wet weather is bane to most managers who play the way like I do, as it causes unpredictablity in large doses. Thus the rain that lashed down on the night prior to the Mansfield game made our pitch really boggy and we had to change tack for it. Seeing Kevin Pressman before the game was a nice moment as we go back from my days at Sheffield Wednesday when I was Football in the Community Officer. Kevin was always wanting to assist in any goalkeeping schools I wanted running. Grant played with him at Hillsborough before moving here, but there was no room for sentiment when he headed it him past after just five minutes! Then the conditions played their part, a back pass never reached Kevin due to the wet surface and Gary Jones sent in a long range effort that just skidded past Kevin. The goal we conceded was sloppy, but it was another three points banked in the end...comfortably I add.

We were handed a tricky assignment in the LDV Quarter Finals, away to Conference League side Accrington Stanley. Yes, that famous old name from years gone by and most recently that milk advert... It's a typical non-league ground, and despite there being not such a large crowd in there: it's quite intimidating. I decided to change things around, give some of the fringe lads a chance. At one down, I was wishing I had hadn't but but we have spirit in our bodies and squeaked through thanks to two late goals. Mind you, I was impressed with their number 14. Looks a decent prospect he does...

Boxing Day games are always exciting, but this was not one of them. We entertained Notts County, and it was also Rory's last home appearance before he goes back to Wednesday at the end of the month. I wanted him to stay, Rory wanted to, but Paul (Blair's old man) wanted him back. There was nothing we could do about it. And it was showing with the on pitch performances as we looked a bit jaded. Fleetwood was a proper handful, he never gave Gareth and Rory any peace. Blair scored a great equaliser after Njazi was carried off, but it was definitely a case of did one or two of us have too much Christmas pud the day before?

We finished 2005 off with a match in Chester, and once again it was a bit of damp squib. Not exactly the kind of match that Rory wants to sign off from. It was turgid stuff, and no wonder there were under 2000 in there watching it. Painting your ceiling would have been a better option to be brutally frank. Grant took his tally to an impressive 18 after superb work by Blair who deserves a pat on the back for his patience in waiting for getting back into the starting eleven. But we conceded a bad equaliser, giving their striker too much room to get his shot away.

As 2005 now closes, we have to kick on. 14 games unbeaten is nice but if you don't get anything at the end then it's just wasted. January is going to be another defining month for us, and with Rory now going back to South Yorkshire I have to get a similar type replacement in as we are shorn of options really. Njazi's injury hasn't helped either. Yet if we stay strong, we can overcome this. Your support is still important so keep it coming - the lads really do appreciate it.


Up the Dale!

Mark

McArdle: Going to be missed by players, staff and fans alike...

[Poolie Exile]

Dale sign former Leeds starlet
Posted on: Mon 23 Jan 2006

Rochdale today completed the signing of former Leeds United starlet Jamie McMaster on a free transfer in a move that has surprised many in League Two.

McMaster, 23, was born in Sydney but due to his English mother is eligible to represent England at international level as he has already picked up Youth and Under-20 honours with the Three Lions. He joined Leeds in 1999 having been spotted at the now famous Australian Institute of Sport and then Leeds manager David O'Leary moved quick to sign him despite interest from other big teams.

He made his Leeds debut in the 2002-2003, as a 63rd minute substitute for Mark Viduka as the Whites lost 1-0 at Ewood Park to a Garry Flitcroft goal. He made three more appearances that season, as well as spending a month on loan to Coventry City where he managed two starts.

The following season saw Jamie fail to make the Whites side but he had a two month loan deal with Chesterfield, scoring twice in six appearances. In 2004-05, Jamie made five more substitute appearances for the newly relegated Leeds team but in September 2004, he was out on loan again - joining Swindon Town for a month. At Swindon he played four times, scoring once in a 3-3 draw at Stockport County where County made an astonishing comeback from 3-0 down. Two more appearances for Leeds followed, his last one being his last in a Leeds shirt as the Whites drew 1-1 at Upton Park with West Ham.

Jamie joined Peterborough on loan at end of January for a month, and then Chesterfield in March where he did enough to earn a permanent deal after being told there was no future for him at Elland Road. However, he wasn't kept on at the end of season by the Spireites and moved to Danish side AGF in the summer. Jamie's abilities were spotted by Rob Evans on a chance outing by the Dale scout, and since he was out of contract in January Rochdale boss Mark Duell moved quickly to bring him back to England.

"Jamie is a talent that we are so pleased to bring to Rochdale. He offers us a more than useful option as he can play as a winger due to his incredible pace or as a striker off the big target man. He is only 23, and as such is young enough as we build our squad ready for what may be thrown at us.

He is fit enough, and will be in the squad for our important LDV Northern Section Semi-Final on Wednesday night at Valley Parade when we challenge Bradford for a place in the Northern Final.

My only choice about him is whether to start him from the beginning or from the bench. It's up to Jamie to show me the hunger to make that decision."

The new signing has been allocated the number 15 shirt at Spotland.

Listen to Jamie McMaster NOW on Dale World by clicking HERE

McMaster in his Leeds days

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

January 2006 Review: Match Reports (Part 1)

Keytech Performance of the Month

7 January 2006: ROCHDALE 1 Northampton Town 0

All the talk prior to this eagerly awaited clash centered on the managers. Mark Duell and his counterpart from Northampton Colin Calderwood had not exactly developed what they term a warm friendliess, in fact as the match kicked off they didn't even shake hands and wish each other all the best. They seem in fact to be, best of enemies.

Anyway, the match was decided by a single goal and what a comical goal it was. A back pass was played back to the Cobblers' former Chelsea and Holland keeper Ed de Goey, but the Dutchman tried to be clever when it wasn't needed and home striker Blair Sturrock stepped in to nick the ball off De Goey's toes and roll the ball into the empty net. At the final whistle, the frostiness between the two managers continued with neither acknowledging the other.

Quote

"I am so happy with that win, perhaps it might teach that tosser Calderwood that he's not as good as his mouth thinks it is! What goes around, comes around." Mark Duell, Rochdale Manager

Colin Calderwood refused to comment.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Boardman, Goodall - Kalenga - Cooksey (Gallimore), Lambert, Skelton - Holt, Sturrock (Tait). Unused substitutes: Mannix, Swinscoe, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Cooksey
Man of the Match: Rickie Lambert (Rochdale)
Attendance: 4,697
Referee: Ian Harris (Truro)

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Other matches:

2 January 2006: Rushden and Diamonds 0 ROCHDALE 2

The first game of 2006 saw Rushden and Diamonds entertain the league's most in-form team in Rochdale, and predictably it went the way of the form horse. Diamonds weren't helped as early as the 17th minute when a Gavin Skelton cross found its way to Grant Holt and just as the Dale hotshot prepared to shoot he was tackled by Diamonds' Phil Gulliver. The defender seemed to have won the ball but referee Gary Walsh pointed to the spot and dismissed Gulliver to rub salt into the wounds even more. From the resultant kick, Jamie Young denied Holt his 19th goal of the season with a superb save.

Moments later, Dale led. Skipper Gareth Griffiths' long ball was picked up by Blair Sturrock and the striker this time made no mistake with his 5th goal of the season. The win was secured with just three minutes left, Skelton's pass finding Holt in space and it was indeed goal 19 for the Rochdale hotshot.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Boardman, Goodall - Kalenga - Jones, Lambert, Skelton - Holt, Sturrock (Swinscoe). Unused substitutes: Cooksey, Tait, Mannix, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Gavin Skelton (Rochdale)
Attendance: 3,629
Referee: Gary Walsh (Norwich)

4 January 2006: ROCHDALE 2 Wrexham 0

Rochdale's relentless run of form continued in their first home game of 2006 as they completed the double over Wrexham at Spotland. The home side took the lead after 33 minutes, Matt Gilks' long clearance was flicked on by Grant Holt and it was midfielder Gary Jones who shrugged off former Rochdale defender Dave Bayliss to open the scoring with his 3rd of the season. Wrexham found themselves up against even more two minutes later, midfielder Jim Whitley needlessly fouling Alan Goodall and picking up a second yellow card for an early bath from referee David Peters.

With eight minutes to go, it was 2-0 when substitutes Paul Tait and David Mannix combined well for the later to cross and Holt launched himself full length to place a diving header into the net for his 20th goal of the season.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Boardman, Goodall (Mannix) - Kalenga - Jones (Cooksey), Lambert, Skelton - Holt, Sturrock (Tait). Unused substitutes: Swinscoe, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Rickie Lambert (Rochdale)
Attendance: 4,181
Referee: David Peters (Durham City)

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

January 2006 Review: Match Reports (Part 2)

14 January 2006: Bristol Rovers 1 ROCHDALE 2

Rochdale's long trek to the South West proved to be a fruitful one as a late, late winner secured all three points for them. Missing both Grant Holt and Njazi Kuqi, midfielder Rickie Lambert was pressed into service as a back up striker again alongside a rejuvenated Blair Sturrock. The partnership took just 13 minutes to bear fruit as Lambert provided a perfect pass for Sturrock to score despite vain home claims for offside. Rovers were level after 69 minutes when Andy Impey's cross was headed back into the danger area by Ryan Williams and James Hunt's shot was deflected into his own net by Alan Goodall.

Dale secured the points in dramatic fashion when Jamie Clarke's superb 50 yard pass found Paul Tait and he unselfishly set up Sturrock for what turned out to be the game winner.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Boardman, Goodall - Cartwright (Mannix), Cooksey (Tait), Skelton - Lambert, Sturrock. Unused substitutes: Gallimore, Swinscoe, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Goodall, Skelton, Mannix
Man of the Match: Blair Sturrock (Rochdale)
Attendance: 5,762
Referee: David Peters (Durham City)

21 January 2006: ROCHDALE 0 Torquay United 0

Rochdale and visitors Torquay shared the spoils today at Spotland, although the Gulls had their goalkeeper Andy Marriott to thank for their point. The former Wrexham man rolled back the years with a splendid performance that everyone in the ground purring. Gulls also played the entire second half with just ten men as right-back Matt Hockley saw red for picking up two first half cautions.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Boardman, Goodall - Kalenga - Cooksey (Jones), Mannix, Skelton - Lambert, Sturrock. Unused substitutes: Gallimore, Tait, Swinscoe, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Boardman, Jones, Goodall, Kalenga
Man of the Match: Andy Marriott (Torquay United)
Attendance: 4,133
Referee: Bob Desmond (Swindon)

25 January 2006: LDV Vans Trophy Northern Section Semi Final. Bradford City 2 ROCHDALE 1

League One Bradford City halted Rochdale's dreams of LDV glory with a well earned 2-1 triumph at a rain lashed Valley Parade tonight. They took the lead in the 7th minute when a determined run from Tom Kearney saw the midfielder cross for left-back Lewis Emanuel to launch himself full length at the far post to head home. City went two goals to the good just before half time when Darren Holloway's long ball was picked up by Danny Cadamarteri and although Matt Gilks parried his effort, he was powerless to prevent the evergreen Dean Windass from scoring.

Rochdale's consolation came in the dying seconds, Gavin Skelton's cross was headed down by Paul Tait and Blair Sturrock volleyed home his 7th of the season, and 4th of a very productive month.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths ©, Boardman, Goodall (Gallimore) - Kalenga - McMaster (Cooksey), Jones, Skelton - Lambert (Tait), Sturrock. Unused substitutes: Mannix, Woodhall (GK)
Man of the Match: Dean Windass (Bradford City)
Attendance: 6,022
Referee: Nigel Miller (Durham)

Quote

"We never really got going to be honest until it was too late. The conditions were dreadful but we just couldn't cope with Windass and Cadamarteri. However, we got this far so that should say something about far we have come." Mark Duell, Rochdale Manager

28 January 2006: Stockport County 2 ROCHDALE 2

A rip roaring encounter saw four goals, and honours even for these great rivals. Stockport were ahead in the 11th minute when Keith Briggs found Dave Hibbert scored from an acute angle. The lead lasted all of eight minutes, Blair Sturrock's left wing cross should have been dealt with by Ross Greenwood but the right-back made a terrible rick and Paul Tait volleyed his first goal of the season.

In first half injury time, Tait turned provider and again Greenwood boobed: this time Sturrock was the beneficiary and after dribbling past Michael Raynes, he made no mistake to put his side ahead. The County fans had two minutes after half time to wait for the equaliser and what a goal it was. Graham Allen's long ball forward was picked up by Hibbert and he lashed a stupendous 20 yard volley that Gilks never saw. Rochdale also lost their inspirational skipper Gareth Griffiths just before half time but the full extent of his injury isn't known.

Team: Gilks - Clarke, Griffiths © (Gallimore), Boardman, Goodall - Kalenga - Lambert, Jones, Skelton - Tait, Sturrock. Unused substitutes: Cooksey, Jaszczun, Mannix, Woodhall (GK)
Booked: Boardman
Man of the Match: Dave Hibbert (Stockport County)
Attendance; 3,986
Referee: Martin Yerby (Maidstone)

[Poolie Exile]

In at the Deep End

January 2006 Review: Manager's Opinion

Somebody pinch me, this must be a dream...

When I was a young lad growing up in Hartlepool I was addicted to playing football management games on my Commodore 64, really I was. If a new title came out, then I would be down at the games store in the town and spend my pocket money on it. Now I'm living the dream, and what a dream it is...

We started New Year with a trip into deepest Northamptonshire to play Rushden and Diamonds. When I first ever heard of them I thought they must be good as they can field two separate teams against their opponents. then reality clocked in. Anyway, it was also my father's birthday so I arranged for the Rochdale team coach to pick him up and take him to Rushden as a birthday treat and as our guest of honour. He was overwhelmed to say the least. Anyway as you know they were reduced to ten men early on and to be honest I did feel sorry for their lad, I really thought he had won the ball when I saw it on the replay. Still we missed the spot kick...

However, goals from Blair (who is revelling in his newly won back first team spot) and who else but Grant secured another three points. Dad was happy too, I think he enjoyed himself - well he was smiling away as we boarded the coach at the end of another productive away day.

Wrexham came, and to be honest they were as bad as they were on opening day. We never actually had to get out of second gear to beat them as it was that comfortable to be honest. Grant scored his 20th of the season, what an achievement that is. He is a pleasure to work with to be honest as he applies himself with the same determination on the pitch that he does in training. A natural born winner to be honest. I know for sure you love him, as I have seen many replica shirts with "Holt 9" on the back.

You all know now about the bit of animosity that has seemed to have manifested itself between myself and Colin Calderwood; the Northampton manager. I even had a phone call from the League Manager's Association two days before the match asking us to stop acting like spoilt brats to be honest. I would have agreed but Calderwood stoked the fires of hate again a day later so I thought to hell with it. And seeing the look on his face when De Goey dropped his clanger, priceless...

We lost Grant with injury before the visit to Bristol, and with him and Njazi both missing I knew we were gonna be up against it. Rovers are a good side on their own patch, and not many teams will go there and win. Yet against all odds, we surprised them and most of all ourselves with a quite splendid win. Blair must have learnt all about scoring goals at the death from his old man, who wasn't a quite bad player in his day, and the way he finished that showed the hallmarks of a striker who believes in himself. Mind you, Alan Goodall was the most thankful of all...and you can guess why!

Torquay came and in Andy Marriott had a goalkeeper really on the top of his game. I know Scott Shearer had a good game here in August but Marriott's performance really topped it. Only a fluke or bad luck would have denied him that clean sheet. Alas for us, neither happened.

As I said in my post match interview after the LDV loss at Bradford, we never really got going that night. Sure the conditions were awful but City adapted to them well and deserved their win. It was just not to be our night, and seeing Jamie limp off on his debut wasn't not the best thing either. It means we could just concentrate on trying to do well in the league now.

We ended the month in another classic encounter with Stockport, another full blooded local derby which both sides desperately wanted to win. Dave Hibbert played very well, and his second goal was a certain candidate for goal of the season even though it was against us! Still we eked out a draw, and kept our unbeaten record which is an important thing as the season draws to an exciting conclusion. Losing Gareth was a massive loss, but as I write these notes I am sure the lad I am bringing in will fill the void nicely.

Three months minimum, and the dream is there. But how much do you want it? That's what I am challenging the players, the question is to you - are you wanting it as well?

Up the Dale!

Mark

Sturrock: 5 goals in a superb January!

[Poolie Exile]

Dale skipper suffers injury heartbreak
Posted on: Sun 29 Jan 2006

Rochdale and their fans are today facing the fact that inspirational skipper Gareth Griffiths is set to miss the rest of the season and in turn possibly affect a now realistic promotion challenge. Griffiths was carried off after 33 minutes of 2-2 draw at Stockport County yesterday, and the diagnosis does not look promising.

Griffiths, 35, had decided to retire from professional football at the end of the season despite Dale manager Mark Duell's best attempts to talk him around into another season with the Spotland side. Now it seems that the final farewell has come earlier than planned.

He began his career playing Rhyl in the Welsh non-league scene and performed so well that league scouts were flocking to the small North Wales ground to see him. Eventually in 1993, it was John Rudge and Port Vale who captured him for the princely sum of just £1,000 and gave him his big break in the professional ranks. He made his debut the following season, making four appearances for the Valiants and scoring twice as he proved he was just as handy as a centre forward due to the height he possesses.

After 94 games, Griffiths joined Wigan Athletic in 1998 on a free transfer. He was hardly a regular but still managed to make 53 appearances in the Latics side in the three seasons he spent there. Having being released by Wigan in 2001, it was time to find a new port of call and he ended up here at Spotland. He proved to be a rock as Dale made the play offs in his first ever season; losing to Rushden and Diamonds 4-3 on aggregate in front of 8,547 inside Spotland.

He has remainded a solid stalwart in defence throughout, and a firm favourite amongst the home supporters due to his 110% commitment to the Dale cause and willingness to encourage his team-mates. Now doctors have diagnosed he has damaged cruciate ligaments, and it could mean the end of Griffiths' career and his season as well.

Manager Mark Duell: "I'm devastated for Gareth, he is Mr Rochdale and a superb captain. Obviously we would like to have him back for the end of the season but it doesn't look good. We will have to overcome this, and ensure we are doing this for him."

Listen to Mark Duell's Dale World full reaction to the loss of Gareth Griffiths, and what lies next, by clicking HERE

Watch the best of Gareth Griffiths in Rochdale colours NOW on Dale World by clicking HERE

Inspirational skipper Gareth Griffiths

[Poolie Exile]

Dale in double transfer swoop
Posted on: Mon 30 Jan 2006

Rochdale completed the signings of Gillingham central defender Leon Johnson and Hibernian striker Amadou Kontè to boost their promotion challenge.

24 year old Johnson, signed for a nominal fee, fills the voids left by the end of Rory McArdle's loan spell last month and also Saturday's injury to captain Gareth Griffiths. As well as playing centre half, Leon can also play left-back which is an invaluable asset to Mark Duell as the season draws to an exciting climax.

He started his career at Southend, and moved to Kent in 2002 after 48 games for the Shrimpers. This season he has struggled to gain a regular spell so when Mark Duell approached the Gills, the defender had no hesitation in moving North to get his career started all over again.

"I'm up for the challenge." Leon told Dale World "I knew I wasn't getting many chances at Priestfield so when Mark Duell's interest came in then I was virtually all ready to sign even though we hadn't agreed terms.

Even though I have never played for a Northern based team, I am willing to do so. Playing football is all I want to do, and Rochdale can give me that. So I hope to repay them with some good performances."

Kontè, 25, is a Malian international who began his league career in a short spell at Cambridge United in 2004, scoring 3 goals in 9 games before Hibernian swooped to pick him up as a free agent the following February. A pacy striker with a good eye for goal, he should excite the Dale faithful who have seen both Grant Holt and Njazi Kuqi sidelined recently.

"I can't wait to get started really. This is a new challenge for me and I know I am capable of meeting it. I will be out there and entertain, the fans will really be seeing some special football following my signing.

I know where we are in the league, and what we are capable of. It's up to me and my new team mates to fulfil those expectations. You can be guaranteed we will be going for it, no more than me. I have to prove that Mark's judgement is true and I don't intend to let anyone - least of all Mark - down."

Kontè has been given squad number 29, and Johnson number 30 as fans welcome the Dale new boys.

Listen to Leon Johnson and Amadou Kontè in full NOW on Dale World by clicking HERE

One of the new signings: Leon Johnson

[Poolie Exile]

Dale make three new signings
Posted on: Wed 22 Feb 2006

After the injury in training to regular back up goalkeeper Danny Woodhall, Rochdale Manager Mark Duell has moved quick to provide back up to Matt Gilks by signing Manchester City prospect Lawrence Matthewson on an initial one month loan deal.

Matthewson, 17, has been a star for the City Youth Team and City boss Stuart Pearce thinks the move to Spotland will help develop the youngster's talents and gain him valuable first team experience.

Mark Duell obviously sees that Lawrence has all the attributes available to become a top class goalkeeper and thinks he has got a gem on his hands.

"Lawrence may be only young but he does definitely have what it takes. He has been in great form for the City Youth Team and can only get better. With the injury to Danny Woodhall, I had bring someone in to give back up for Matt and in Lawrence I think we have found it. There is no chance of us signing him permanently, we have been told that, but if the move can help a young lad's development then it's beneficial to all parties. We are therefore thankful to City for lending him to us."

Matthewson has been given the number 40 shirt at Spotland.

Also arriving at Spotland on the same day are Irish youngsters David Sheridan and James Murphy. Both are just turned 15, and have joined the apprentice ranks at Spotland as they look to following the steps into making it into professional football.

On their signings, Duell had this to say: "James and David are two promising talents that our Youth scout has found out for us. They have good technical abiliites and we hope to make them into professional footballers and make their dreams come true. With Keith Hill in charge of them, I am sure the lads will come along well."

Lawrence Matthewson talks live NOW on Dale World by clicking HERE

Matthewson (right) is a new Spotland recruit