Gloom Lifts as Dale Beat Torquay

Torquay United 1 - 3 Rochdale

Pressure lifted on Steve Parkin following a memorable victory at Torquay. 112 fans made the long journey to Devon and they were rewarded as Rochdale picked up a vital first win in nine games following a much improved performance on the previous two defeats against Mansfield and Stockport. Goals from Dagnall, Jones and Lambert secured what turned out to be a fairly comfortable 3-1 victory against a Torquay outfit struggling towards the foot of League Two.

A long trip to Torquay on a Tuesday night was hardly the first thing on Steve Parkin’s wish-list after recent results but he and his team got exactly what they needed after an inspired and confident performance not seen since Rochdale’s last victory two months ago. Parkin made an essential change ahead the game by changing to a 4-4-2 formation and it proved to be the catalyst for the victory as the increased width of the midfield allowed the strikers to do their jobs and put the ball in the back of the net whilst John Doolan provided the vision and cool head that has been desperately needed in the centre of the park.

With two minutes played things were already looking better for Rochdale as they registered two quick-fire shots on target and showed signs of a cutting edge so desperately lacking in recent outings. Rochdale could easily have taken an early lead had not been for two fine saves by Marriott in the Torquay goal; Chris Dagnall was twice denied a first goal for the club after Marriott could only parry his first effort but an inspired second save kept the scores level.

Matthew Gilks was in similarly fine form at the other end as Torquay began to get in the game and enjoyed an extended spell in possession with their wingers and front-men looking a threat that would quell Rochdale’s fast-paced start. Tony Bedeau was denied by Gilks as he completed a superb reaction save as the Gulls looked certain to open the scoring. Torquay continued to attack and the Dale defence looked hard-pressed to deal with onslaught; again Gilks was called into action as he nicked the ball from Bedeau’s feet. Bedeau looked to be in fine form and only an Alan Goodall headed clearance prevented the Torquay striker’s cross from being converted minutes later.

With the Gulls still pushing forward, Rochdale took the lead against the run of play as they hit Torquay with a killer counter-attack inspired by John Doolan. The Blackpool loanee held the ball up well on the half-way line and drew in two Torquay defenders before slotting an excellent through ball to the advancing Gary Jones who progressed into the Torquay box. Jones’ low-cross was turned in by Dagnall as he made a well-timed run to the near post to give Rochdale the lead in a tight opening period.

Again it was down to Gilks to ensure Rochdale took their advantage into the half-time interval. Torquay took a quick free-kick and whilst the visiting defence were still looking for their markers, Steve Woods escaped their attentions and headed the ball goalwards. Gilks appeared to be wrong-footed but he produced another strong save to push the ball to safety and keep the Gulls at bay.

Rochdale were the fastest out of the blocks as the second half started and they doubled their lead with their first opportunity after another excellent move. This time Gary Jones got the goal for himself after a neat one-two with Lambert left the Torquay backline short of numbers and Jones went through on goal after beating the last man with his diagonal run. Jones hit a low shot across the advancing keeper and Marriott could only get a weak wrist to it as the ball hit the net to send the travelling fans wild behind the goal.

Torquay boss Leroy Rosenior, who left his post by mutual consent after the game, introduced the troublesome 6’7” midfielder Morkie Sako to try and rescue something for the home side. The substitution proved worthwhile as Sako began to turn the game for Torquay and got them back into it with a goal on fifty-five minutes; placing a powerful header beyond Gilks following Phillips’ dangerous cross.

It looked as though Torquay might go on and get a result by laying siege to the Rochdale goal but the onslaught never came and Rochdale created by far the better chances for the remainder and Rickie Lambert made sure of the outcome with twenty-five minutes to play. Having spurned an earlier opportunity after rounding Marriott in the six-yard box but taking too long over his shot from a tight angle, Lambert got the goal his performance deserved although again Marriott should have done better with the shot. Lambert hit an excellent drive from twenty yards which had the Gulls keeper in all kinds of trouble as the ball swerved viciously in the air and Marriott was only able to watch the ball go into the middle of his goal.

Rochdale could have added to their lead in the final stages as the home side failed to gather any momentum and trouble the score-line further. Blair Sturrock put in an energetic performance for twenty minutes as he entered the fray in place of Dagnall and could have had a goal himself. Indeed, he created the best of the remaining chances by setting up Gary Jones from the by-line after beating two defenders but Jones’ drive went just the wrong side of the post.

It was an essential three points for Rochdale and the players and manager showed exactly what it meant by celebrating the win in front of the visiting support. The performance was worthy of all three points and if Rochdale can kick on from here with a similar display at home against Boston on Saturday then they can finally look back up the league table after looking down it for too many weeks.