Rochdale 2-0 Southampton

Rochdale moved up into the playoff places after seeing off Southampton 2-0 at Spotland. Joe Thompson scored his first of the season with a looping header whilst Chris O’Grady powered home his 9th of the season just before the interval. The Saints threw everything at Dale in the second half but the closest they came was when substitute Adam Lallana’s deflected effort struck an upright.

Joe Thompson was preferred in Hill’s starting 11 to Will Atkinson who dropped to the bench as Rochdale looked to climb into the playoff places as they played their final game in hand over rivals Bournemouth. Former Dale favourite Rickie Lambert started for the Saints who came into the game on the back of an 8 game unbeaten run.

The home side started very brightly and took the game to the visitors with Nicky Adams’ 2 early corners seeing chances for Dawson who scuffed a volley wide whilst Joe Thompson headed agonisingly over.

Rickie Lambert’s trademark free-kick made a Spotland appearance but thankfully Fon Williams was alert enough to push the former Dale striker’s effort away. The Dale stopper was called into action again 3 minutes later when Do Prado’s fizzing 20 yard shot bounced awkwardly but Fon Williams parried it wide.

The game was a really open affair with both side pushing for the opener. Gary Jones saw his 20 yard drive go just wide whilst the best chance of the opening 25 minutes fell to O’Grady. Robbie Williams long ball forward caused Jaidi to only partially clear and when the ball fell to Matt Done, the winger cushioned a perfectly weighted through ball to O’Grady who raced away from Jaidi but his weak shot was blocked by the legs of Davies in the Saints goal.

That chance could have dampened the Dale attack but just 3 minutes later they led. A deep Adams cross was met by Thompson at the back post and his looping header across goal nestled in the back of the net to silence the 1000+ travelling supporters.

The end to end nature of the game continued as both sides went for goal. Gary Jones saw another drive go wide whilst Do Prado’s free kick was smothered by Fon Williams with Hammond about to pounce.

Continued Dale pressure saw Richardson and keeper Davies get into a muddle with the defender having to clear but Dale wouldn’t have to wait much longer for their second. A Done breakaway picked out O’Grady inside the area with the striker firing a powerful shot that was too hot to handle for Davies and the ball squirmed through the keepers grasp to make it 2-0 at the break.

With faces of astonishment at what they had just witnessed, Dale fans during the interval had to keep reminding themselves that there was still 45 minutes left and that anything could happen. As would be expected, Nigel Adkins side came out for the second half fired up but it was Dale who would run proceedings early on. O’Grady almost picked out Done in the area but for some great defending whilst Thompson saw his angled drive parried by Davies.

Lee Barnard saw his volley flash just wide at the other end with Jones blocking another Saint’s centre as it was all hands to the pump for the Dale defence. The usually Mr reliable Gary Jones gifted sub Forte with a glorious opportunity to half the deficit when his cross field ball was intercepted but Forte’s saw his shot tipped away. From the corner, Fon Williams was again the hero as he tipped Jaidi header over. Forte saw a looping header drop onto the roof of the netting whilst Saints captain Hammond probably should have done better with a cushioned volley when well placed inside the area.

Adkins brought on Adam Lallana with just over 15 minutes left of the 90and he went close on a couple of occasions. First his downward header was comfortable for Fon Williams whilst the Dale keeper pushed his 18 yard shot away. The travelling support thought they had got a goal back on 79 when Lallana’s shot deflected against the post with Forte firing horribly over from the rebound.

With that chance went any hope for the Saints to recover and the home back line stood strong to record a memorable double over the South Coast Club and moved above Bournemouth into the play-off places.

Hill’s side have worked hard to reach the top 6, they will have to maintain their good form from now until May 7th if they are to remain there.

Keith Hill spoke of his delight after the game: “I think it was probably the best evening we have had, it’s an unbelievable double which makes it extra special. I can’t fault the lads; they just keep raising the bar. They don’t want the season to end; you can see that in their performances.

"We had to be better than the opposition tonight and I think we were. It was unfortunate for Will (Atkinson on being dropped) but they are a big side and that’s why the change was made. It was a difficult decision but we had to make it. Joe did well and got the goal too. They are probably Championship/Premier League players playing out there today but we deserved the win.

"I’m really pleased with our players and where we are in the league. Chris O’Grady should have scored earlier to give us the lead but I’m glad he got on the score sheet.

"People have to give us credit, I’m sick of this big club syndrome where things haven’t gone right for them. Too often there’s always something wrong, big club syndrome kicks in. Rather than how well we have done.

"We are on the leader’s board now, you know what happens in the Masters once you’re on there you don’t want to slip but it’s exciting. We are playing with no pressure and it’s great to be part of this journey.

"The atmosphere was superb but we don’t want the expectancy to reach too high and heap pressure on the players. We want them to play with freedom and express themselves”


Attendance: 3825

Rochdale: Fon Williams, Wiseman , Dawson, Holness, Williams, Joe Thompson, Jones (c), Kennedy, Adams, Done, O'Grady.

Subs (not used): Edwards, Akpa-Akpro, Josh Thompson, Barry-Murphy, Dickinson, Widdowson, Atkinson

Southampton: Davies, Richardson, Harding (Forte 42), Dickson, Fonte, Lambert, Barnard, Do Prado, Hammond (c), Jaidi (Seaborne 68), Stephens (Lallana 73)

Subs (not used):Bialkowski, Butterfield, Martin, Gobern

Referee: Mr M Haywood
Assistant Refs: Mr G Hilton & Mr PR Marsden
4th Official: Mr R Bartlett