Rochdale Supporers started 2008 as they had finished
2007, with a comfortable victory. On this occasion,
Tranmere supporters were the opponents for Dales
11th IFA Supporters game of the season.
Dales starting XI showed two enforced changes from
their victory against Rotherham. Absentees included
the leading goalscorer, Liam Ratcliffe. Mark Woodall
and Rob Flitcroft were given the responsibility to
lead the attack.
The first half saw Dale dominate possession, without
taking the lead.However, they looked most dangerous
on the counter attack on the few occasions when
Tranmere ventured into their half. The nearest Dale
went to scoring was when the Tranmere goalkeeper
stopped Woodalls effort on the line.
Rochdale continued to enjoy plenty of territorial
advantage throughout the second half. Flitcroft
opened the scoring with a perfectly-placed header
after good work on the wing by Luke Lloyd. A minute
later, Dee Heeley doubled the advantage after
playing a one-two with Woodall. By this time,
Tranmere were reeling and Dale capitalised with a
third goal in as many minutes. Man of the match
Heeley took a quick free kick which was pushed
against the crossbar by Tranmeres goalie, only for
Woodall to score from the rebound.
Tranmere scored a late consolation, which came from
a mis-hit cross. This was the first goal Dale had
conceded in over six hours of football.
The result is Dales 10th consecutive victory, the
other result this season having been a draw.
|
Squad |
|
GK - Jon Coluccio |
|
RB - David
Veevers |
|
LB - Jan
Harwood |
|
CB - Craig
Milnes |
|
CB - Kenny
Hindle |
|
RM -
Dave Heeley |
|
LM -
Luke Lloyd |
|
CM -
Paul Veevers |
|
CM -
Ryan Higginbotham |
|
F -
Mark Woodall |
|
F - Rob
Flitcroft |
|
Substitutes |
|
|
|
Chris Finn |
|
|
|
|
