Dale game in doubt - game subsequently called off

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Dale's game against Bradford tomorrow (Saturday 19 January) is in doubt as the rain continues to turn the Spotland pitch into a quagmire.

Speaking to the official Rochdale AFC web site, groundsman Phil Collinson said: "the forecast, I have just looked now, is supposed to be for rain all day. It is so frustrating when you want to get on the pitch to work on it and you can't. You want to get the game on but nature is just against you all the time. Since the last home game we haven't been able to get on with any machinery because we have had two weeks of virtually non-stop rain.

"We can't get the machinery on so it is just a case of walking on with the fork. As you can appreciate with the volume of water that has come down it is beating us at the moment. Really we need a break in the weather and the forecast isn't on our side.

"With expectation high and momentum building it would be disappointing for another match to fall foul of the weather (and lead to real fixture congestion later in the season). The last thing anyone wants is to see this came called off."

Dale are already behind with fixtures following home games called off in December due to adverse weather.

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UPDATE

A pitch inspection has been called for 12 noon tomorrow (Saturday 19 Janaury) by referee Mr Miller.

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UPDATE

Game called off.