Rochdale Online FC pull off stunning Cup shock

Broadway Celtic 4 v 4 Rochdale Online FC (AET)
Rochdale Online won 5-3 on penalties

Third Division Rochdale Online FC pulled off the biggest shock result in the Rochdale Online League Cup for many years as they overcame First Division leaders Broadway Celtic in an action packed game at Springfield Park.

Celtic, looking odds on to be in the Premier Division next season, were expected to comfortably beat a Rochdale Online side that has struggled so far this season for consistency, and as early as seven minutes it looked like they were going to live up to those expectations when they had the ball in the back of the Rochdale Online net. The goal was disallowed for offside and with the Celtic players distracted arguing with the referee, Brad Journeaux took a quick free kick, driving the ball the full length of the pitch, leaving Paul Sanderson with an easy tap in to give Rochdale Online the lead.

It was not long before Celtic drew level. Journeaux, making his only mistake of an otherwise excellent performance, was at fault as he was caught sleeping with the rest of the Rochdale Online defence trying to play the offside trap and Oakes ran onto the through ball to score.

One soon became two when another error, this time by veteran John Sanderson, let in Scholes to make it 2-1 to Celtic.

All of the 50 or so spectators expected the floodgates to open as Celtic began to stroke the ball around and show their class. It was a complete surprise, and totally against the run of play, when Rochdale Online equalised. A slick move involving lain Sanderson and North ended with a ball being played to Paul Sanderson 20 yards from goal. Sanderson struck the ball first time and to everyone's amazement, including Sanderson’s, the ball nestled in the top corner.

Within 30 seconds of the second half Celtic regained the lead. Rochdale Online’s achilles heel all season has been poor defence, and it was another defensive lapse that allowed Oakes to pounce to put the First Division leaders back in front.

For the next 30 minutes Celtic mounted attack after attack and could have been four or five  goals up but for good goalkeeping from Tim Makin in the Rochdale Online goal and Celtic’s woeful shooting - the worst miss by Keenan, who blazed over an empty net from just two yards!
 
With the clock ticking down, and just five minutes of the game remaining, Rochdale Online’s resolve and never say die attitude got its reward as they once again defied the odds, and the run of play, to equalise. A skilful chest down followed by a 40 yard pass by Nick Blackburn to Paul Sanderson, whose clever flick reached Fielden, ended with a lovely bit of skill as Fielden executed a beautifully crafted chip to beat the Celtic keeper.

Extra-time
Rochdale Online had the bit between their teeth at the beginning of extra-time and this time it was no surprise when they took the lead. An inch perfect free kick by lain Sanderson onto the head of wing back Jan Harwood, who directed an unstoppable header into the Celtic goal, and Rochdale Online were dreaming of their best cup result for many years.

The Rochdale Online defence held firm and it looked as if an increasingly desperate Broadway Celtic were on their way out of the cup, however, with just two minutes of extra-time left to play referee Ryan Bromfield (who had an excellent game) awarded a very harsh penalty to the despair of the Rochdale Online defence, particularly Blackburn whose arm the ball had bounced up onto after hitting his knee. Keenan made no mistake with the penalty despite the best efforts of Makin, levelling the score at 4-4, to the great relief of the Celtic team and their followers.

Even then the drama wasn’t over as the oldest player in the league, Rochdale Online’s 60-year-old Granddad John Sanderson, had a golden opportunity to grab the winner with the last kick of the game, but his tired legs didn't have the power to direct the ball home.

And so to the tension of penalty kicks: Rochdale Online elected to take the first spot kick and this proved an inspired decision as they never missed, piling constant pressure on Broadway Celtic who were always playing catch-up. Celtic missed their third spot kick and that left Captain lain Sanderson to step up and send Rochdale Online into the hat for the fourth round draw.

Man-of-the-match
Jointly awarded to Rochdale Online’s John Sanderson and Brad Journeaux.