Dale’s Late Goal is Rough on Diamonds

Rochdale 2 - 1 Rushden & Diamonds

After Rochdale’s defeat against Oxford on Tuesday night, Steve Parkin’s men needed a win against Rushden & Diamond at Spotland to maintain their position at the business end of the League Two table. The win came in the closing stages and it was a harsh blow for the visitors who had matched Dale throughout the afternoon and appeared to be taking a share of the spoils back to Nene Park before Jon Boardman’s late winner.

Similar to Tuesday night, the game was less than impressive and Steve Parkin was the first to admit that his side turned in another poor performance and were fortunate to claim the three points that keeps them in fifth place in the table. The points were clearly the most important thing after the Oxford loss but if Rochdale’s performances do not improve soon further points may be harder to come by in the next two difficult months.

Steve Parkin was forced into a change of formation ahead of the game given the suspension of Grant Holt. With the star striker missing Rochdale started the game with just Sturrock and Lambert up-front, reverting to a 4-4-2 formation. Tommy Jaszczcun came into the side on the left of midfield, whilst mid-week signing Warren Goodhind was given his debut in place of Rory McArdle at right-back. The South African had an impressive first start and should prove a worthy addition once he has reached full match fitness.

Again Rochdale struggled to get into the game in the opening exchanges as Rushden started the game strongly. Rochdale were showing few signs that they were going to bounce back in style from Tuesday’s set-back and Rushden carved out the first chance of the half thanks to star-man Chris O’Grady. He skipped past Warner with ease and fired a low cross which was well dealt with by Tony Gallimore before danger could ensue; a corner being the only reward for O’Grady’s graft but another chance was made from the set-play: Dave Savage heading over when he should have done better.

Twenty minutes had passed before Dale mustered their first chance of note. With flowing football at a premium for the home side, Rochdale were reliant on corners and free-kicks for opportunities. Alan Goodall found himself free following a Clarke free-kick but his firm header was straight at Young in the Rushden goal.

Rushden continued to press through the excellent O’Grady who continued to attack with the ball at his feet. He looked to turn at every opportunity when he received the ball and such a turn enabled him to run at the defence and fire in a twenty yard shot half way through the opening period. Matt Gilks had to make a smart save to push the ball out for a corner.

With half an hour gone Rochdale finally upped their game and started to manoeuvre the ball around the pitch but without ever looking particularly dangerous as Rickie Lambert, who was again ineffective, and Blair Sturrock, who was busy and full of effort if nothing else, failed to expose a Rushden back-line that did not appear particularly high on confidence.

A long ball over the top caused confusion in the Diamonds defence and Goalkeeper Young decided to try and shield the ball out for a goal-kick. This was to Sturrock’s advantage as he nicked the ball, only for the keeper to bring him down on the right hand touchline. Dale fans were incensed and insisted that Young be sent off but the challenge, although cynical, did not deny Sturrock a clear goal-scoring opportunity so the yellow-card and resulting free-kick seemed to be a fair decision.

With time running out Dale took a surprise first-half lead. Lambert nodded the ball down in the box perfectly for Sturrock who fired goalwards. The attempt was wickedly deflected off Gulliver and went into the net although it could be argued that ball was going in the opposite corner anyway as the shot was well struck. The half-time whistle blew shortly after and Rochdale were lucky to find themselves in the lead, an improved second half display would be needed for them to see out the win.

Rushden, again started the stronger of the two sides and on fifty minutes they were gifted a goal. McCafferty’s free-kick from the edge of the box was well struck but did not appear to be in any danger of entering the Dale goal as Gilks was right behind the attempt. However, the Dale keeper failed to hold on to the shot and Magnus Okuonghae was on hand to tap the ball home after the defence were slow to react to Gilks’ drop.

Rochdale struggled to respond to the setback and Rushden pushed on, knowing that a win was there for the taking. Indeed, had it not been for lacklustre finishing Rushden would surely have taken the points. With sixty-five minutes gone yet more good play by O’Grady created a guilt-edged chance for the visitors. O’Grady attacked down the left and pulled the ball back for substitute Daniel Grainger, who somehow performed the impossible by firing the ball over the open goal from six-yards. Even Rochdale fans had their heads in their hands such was the ease of the chance, which was calmer than the actions of Rushden manager Barry Hunter who lay on the ground unable to come to terms with what he had just witnessed!

The game petered out and Rushden appeared to be taking a point from the game, the least they deserved, but sustitute Jon Boardman popped up to score in injury time and break the hearts of the visitors and to probably leave Daniel Grainger writing a suicide note in the dressing room! Jamie Clarke’s corner was well directed and Boardman’s excellent header found the net for his first league goal.

Much to their relief Rochdale gained an undeserved win but the fans and the manager will not want to dwell on the performance which was little better than the Oxford display. A much improved performance will be needed if Rochdale are to get anything from the game at Chester on Friday night when Grant Holt will again be available for selection and Steve Parkin will have no hesitation in recalling the star-striker. The Rochdale manager gained two things from the Rushden game; three points and the knowledge that his team can not do without its best player.