Rochdale went into this game
missing several key players meaning Ryan Higgintbotham
had to make a career first appearance as a central
defender. In hindsight it proved a successful tactic as
Rochdale went on to keep a clean sheet although the
early parts of the game would have had you thinking that
wasn't going to be the case.
The pitch and weather conditions
were awful with the driving rain and the almost frozen
pitch not making either team really want to leave the
dressing rooms! It looked like Mansfield adapted the
better of the two teams early on and they were doing
most of the pressing. There was a close call when a
backpass to Dale keeper Coluccio took a bizarre bounce
and went past him. Thankfully he got back to it before
the striker could put it in the empty net.
Despite Mansfields efforts they
couldn't find the breakthrough and the best football of
the half from Dale was rewarded when a cutback across
the area was finished off by Kaminskas to give Dale a
1-0 half time lead.
After the break the pitch turned
into a mud bath with players looking like they were on
an ice rink at times! There were few chances of note but
Rochdale were awarded a hatrick of penalties, the first
two converted by Higginbotham and the final one finished
by Ratcliffe after the referee ordered a retake to the
first attempt which was missed.
Overall a good victory considering
the conditions and next up is a difficult trip to
Rotherham.
|
Squad |
|
GK - Jon Coluccio |
|
RB - David
Veevers |
|
LB - Phil
Woodall |
|
CB - Ryan
Higginbotham |
|
CB - Kenny
Hindle |
|
RM -
Luke Lloyd |
|
LM -
Jan Harwood |
|
CM -
Paul Veevers |
|
CM -
Rob Flitcroft |
|
F -
Anthony Kaminskas |
|
F - Liam Ratcliffe |
|
Substitutes |
|
|
|
Jon Hudson |
|
Sam Wilde |
|
|
