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First off, I'd just like to say that once again, the people of Rochdale were very welcoming, you have terrific people working behind-the-scenes and Leighanne in particular is always a delight. I actually felt bad for her upon leaving late last night, but she was as lovely as ever. As was Keith who greeted us all on arrival and had nothing but kind words for our club afterwards. I know he had a pop at some Dale fans again post-match but you/we are used to that by now.
Regards the game, it went like our previous three in the league in terms of dominance and we deserved the victory. I feared another Wimbledon in the first half hour as the goal wouldn't come, but once it arrived that was that. Although, had Pinillos not blocked Rafferty's shot early in the second, things may have altered? Hard to say because we've not conceded yet so not sure how we'd react to that.
I don't believe you'll struggle this season based on what I saw. I don't think many sides outside the Premier League would have coped with us last night, it was one of those performances that come along very rarely. We were similarly excellent against Oxford and Bradford, but not quite to that extent. Dale tried to play, all credit to you for that, but we throttled you to death. Bradford for a spell and Wimbledon throughout, they hoofed the ball, didn't take any risks and defended like Trojans. We will need to find a remedy for that sort of approach where teams park the bus. But yeah, come and take us on, play football and that suits this system we employ.
Also, whilst we are a smaller Championship club and not big spenders, at this level there can't be much bigger in terms of fanbase, budgets, expectations. Whereas Dale and Keith have to do everything on the cheap and probably have a bottom four budget. There were nearly more of our fans than yours last night. So you're seriously punching in L1. In my opinion of course.
Thank you to the fans I saw who were just as welcoming, and to Ian who I saw in the carpark pre-match, below is one of the things I do these days.
Merry Christmas to my Dale friends, you know who you are.
What a bloody season you're having, again. Unbelievable. Even I didn't see it this time. Just further cement my belief that apart from Hecky, Keith is the best manager out there.
And is true that Bury have lost 11 on the spin or summat? I said sacking Flicker wasn't the answer. Idiots.
There was an HD live stream of our final pre-season outing this afternoon, away at Peterborough. And because they are your opening day opponents again, again, again, I thought I'd pass on a few bits and pieces worthy of mentioning.
No Michael Smith for them, who I assume is a regular but other than that and a late warm-up injury to Ben Alnwick, I'd suggest that it was as strong a side as they could field. As was ours, depending on your opinion of certain players. Adam Davies is injured so Nick Townsend started in goal. I'd have Marley Watkins on the right wing, but Ryan Kent played there today. Some prefer James Bree over Andy Yiadom at right back and it looks as though George Moncur will be substitute to begin with as Josh Scowen has really impressed in midfield. But aye, we weren't fielding kids or owt.
First half was practically all us, with our passing and movement too much for Posh. They were slower all over the park in that period, late with a few challenges and from an early Hammill free kick, Scowen glanced us in front. We had a lot of joy against their left full back in that first half, with Yiadom and Kent combining well. Should have scored another two at least, Hourihane denied with a great save and both Bradshaw and Winnall misfiring (yet to be convinced they can work as a pairing).
Posh were only threatening from distance and Taylor rattled the woodwork late in the half. Their strikers looked distinctly average. All pace and technique, no strength or awareness, easily bullied by Roberts and Mawson.
Second half was a more even affair as we allowed them to come onto us in order to counter them. It's a successful tactic that worked well under Hecky away from home once ahead in games. Fair play to Posh though, Taylor moved deeper and along with Maddison began to dictate. Again though, for all their technical intricacy the end product was missing. They forced a couple of routine saves out of Townsend and one outstanding drive was tipped wonderfully wide, but other than that? Little to speak of.
They brought a lad on who sounded Brazilian (Lopes or Silva, or summat) and played wide right and played Brazilian. Looks a talent, maybe a trialist? Him and Hammill took turns to showboat.
Once we began making subs the game became drab, but twice we caught them on the break, Stefan Payne denied twice by good saves before he did get a goal after nodding home a great Yiadom cross.
2-0, and we weren't really at full pelt. I feel Posh were.
If I was Keith I'd play two up top, attack them quickly. No point playing keepball against them. They are there to be got at.
They did beat Leeds and Brentford recently and pre season means bugger all. Again, I saw more to enthuse me in the 3-0 Everton friendly loss than I have in the victories.
But if Posh are meant to be one of the 'contenders' I am starting to be more optimistic about Dale this season. Just attack sides, be brave. It worked for us...
I haven't had chance to read the forum today so I hope none of you were affected by the horrendous weather. It's been appalling here in Bradford for the last 48 hours, but nothing compared to what I've seen over your way. I went to Derby to watch the missus' lad today and it was bone dry down there. But yeah, I hope you're all well and that your Xmas has been good.
One of my friends who I've not really seen much of since I left Barnsley (he's not into BFC) hung himself on Xmas Eve. I found out via facebook (bizarre). I feel shit about it. Can't help but think back to the times I've thought "I'll message Neil today" and then didn't. Silly things like that. But aye, I hope folk are good tonight. Life's tough. But we have the powers to make it less so, just by being there, being nice. I think.
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