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Oxford 0 Rochdale
3 |
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04/02/2006 |
Its a story of missed chances
rather than one's scored as Dale ease to a 3-0 win over Oxford at Horspath.
Rochdale were without 5 players for their trip to Oxford but showed that they
have strength in depth to cope with the various excuses from some members of the
Dale squad.
P.Woodall, Hindle and Lloyd were brought into the line-up by Dale who started
slowly on a good pitch against an Oxford team lacking any real organisation,
especially in the centre of defence. Dale, missing Veevers, Veevers, Irving,
Dutton, Evans and Lorimer from last weeks victory of local rivals Bury, started
the game looking to take advantage of the wide pitch. Kaminskas and Woodall
supported by Lloyd on the right and Harwood on the left were causing the Yellows
all sorts of problems but in truth Dale, were lacklustre for most of the half
but still managed to dominate proceedings.
Dale took the lead very early after a good run into the penalty area by Milnes.
Having picked the ball up outside the box, his jinked run ended with a deflected
shot which took the ball past the keeper and into the top corner. The dubious
goals panel can decide to credit Mr Milnes but an O.G is the more likely
verdict. Kaminskas, sporting brand new sparkling white boots, was tormenting the
Oxford defence linking up well down the left with Harwood. Harcombe and Lloyd
were teaming up on the right, looking to get behind Oxford at every opportunity.
Rochdale were never on the ball long enough to really dominate possession,
instead, they chose to get the ball forward quickly thus unsettling the Oxford
defence. Shots were blocked and they even found time for a spectacular overhead
kick attempt. The acrobatics being provided by M.Woodall
A second goal arrived courtesy of a clinical finish by M.Woodall who beat the
keeper low after Milnes had split the back line with an angled through ball. 2-0
Dale at this point and Oxford could have no complaints.
They had some useful possession, particularly aiming the same
pass towards their right winger but Dale quickly adapted and Oxford ran out of
idea's. The home side got a chance to get back into the game when they were
awarded a fortuitous penalty. Having cleared a corner, Crossley stretched to
block a goal bound effort driven from the edge of the penalty area. The ball
bounced up furiously, hitting Crossley’s arm which was down by his side. Oxford,
very lucky to have got the penalty, side footed their chance wide of the mark
and justice had been done.
HT Oxford 0-2 Rochdale
Second half started with Oxford looking to get back into the game
with an early goal but their pressure soon wilted as they hit the strong and
resolute Dale defence. Oxford played some neat football around the edge of the
Dale box, but could not really find a way through. Any stray crosses or shots
were easily picked up by Buffon in the Dale goal, who’s handling was superb all
morning.
Rochdale then slipped into the now infamous ‘professional mode’ creating chance
after chance, wasting some very good ones. Both Lloyd and Kaminskas will feel
they should have squared the ball after choosing to go alone but this rationale
was proven wrong when M.Woodall missed the easiest chance of his entire Dale
career.
After beating the off side trap, Kaminskas found himself in the box with the
Home side still appealing to the referee for the decision. Having drawn the
keeper, Kaminskas supplied M.Woodall with a pass only inches from the goal line
who found enough elevation on his finish to send it soaring over the bar.
Disbelief from everyone. It could only have been the psychology used by the
Oxford defenders, who refused to make any attempt to try and retrieve the
situation when faced with what seemed a certain goal, that put him off. It was
almost too easy for M.Woodall who succumbed to the pressure and skied his
effort.
Dale did eventually get themselves the third goal and it came in predictable
fashion. The referee had no option but to point to the spot after Kaminskas had
been wrestled to the floor in a almost carbon copy of last week’s penalty award
at Bury. Just like last week, up stepped Milnes, 0-3.
Hudson came on for the injured Harwood who was hacked down mercilessly by an
Oxford assassin and Dale played out the final 20 minutes in comfortable fashion.
They created more chances, hitting Oxford on the break but still managed to
waste some golden opportunites.
Dale even found time to allow both Crossley and Hindle a forward
burst but Crossley put his effort wide. Hindle will feel he was better placed
but its doubtful he would have passed to Crossley if in that position.
FT Oxford 0-3 Rochdale
The Final whistle arrived with Dale worthy winners. Without ever playing to
their full potential, Dale did enough for the victory. They could and should
have hit the net more and will need that clinical finishing next week, as they
hit the road again, this time to Lancashire and IFA league leaders, Preston.
|
Player Ratings |
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GK Jon Coluccio |
Tremendous
handling and never troubled. Went wrong way for pen but It didn’t matter. |
|
RB James Harcombe |
Steady game
for Brimful who was looking good with Lloyd on the right, particularly in
the first half. |
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LB Phil Woodall |
My MOM.
Steady and solid on his return. Dealt with everything comfortably and even
found himself in the opposition half at one stage. |
|
CD Kenny Hindle |
Comfortable
and solid. Kept most things simple and had no gloves this week. |
|
CD Steven Crossley |
Despite
having to take a break after each play, the heavy cold suffering Captain
was solid. Unlucky to concede first half penalty. |
|
RM Luke Lloyd |
involved
and looked to expose his opponent all the time. Linked up well with
Harcombe but should have either scored or squared when in good positions. |
|
LM Jan Harwood |
Another
good game for Jan who was looking good before being hacked down. Had goal
bound header from a corner headed off the line. |
|
CM Craig Milnes |
Two goals
and was at the heart of most of the play. Couple of rash challenges, doing
nothing to shed his ‘hothead’ tag! |
|
CM
Lee Woodhouse |
Another
good game for Bullet. Drove team forward and was good in the engine room. |
|
F Anthony Kaminskas |
Usual
skilful self but should have scored at least once. Seemed to get
frustrated at times but set up plenty to show that he can give as well as
take! |
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F Mark Woodall |
“I would
gladly never play again after that miss” Says it all. Good game apart from
‘that miss’ and scored from his hardest chance. |
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Substitutes |
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Jon Hudson |
Got
straight into game and looked to get forward. Some good play doubling up
with fullback. |
