ROCHDALE REVIEW

[Alan B]

I thought I would make a quick report tonight as the family will rightly take precedence for the rest of the weekend. It has been a dismally cold and wet day in Lancashire, matched by a disappointing performance on the field by Aldershot, especially after such an encouraging sequence of results on the road in recent weeks.

Firstly, credit to Rochdale, who, after suffering a similarly demoralising 4-0 defeat to York City last week, bounced back in style with a very impressive performance. They were boosted by the return of three influential players from injury in the shape of the talented Kyron Gordon, busy midfielder Jake Burger and the razor-sharp man of the match, Devante Rodney. Long serving forward Ian Henderson was also included in the starting eleven, and these 4 players were very prominent in many of the good moves Rochdale produced this afternoon.

However, as Tommy Widdrington has repeatedly reminded us supporters, teams do have days when things do not always work in your favour. The first goal was always going to be crucial and when it came, Aldershot suffered from an unfortunate slip which paved the way to that goal. When Rochdale produced a clever short corner routine, the ball came to centre back Sam Beckwith on the edge of the Shots’ area. Will Armitage spotted the danger and rushed out to close Beckwith down, but unfortunately slipped at the vital moment and Beckwith had all of the goal to aim at - and duly buried his strike.

From that moment, the Dale visibly grew in confidence. They had started well against York in the previous game but were unable to find the breakthrough, and, on that occasion, York took full advantage. However, as well as Rochdale played today, I felt that there were too many holes in the Aldershot midfield. Buoyed by his recent form, Cameron Hargreaves did somewhat desert his defensive duties in his desire to continue his recent goal scoring run, which left Keane Anderson isolated to contend with the many swift counter attacks. Furthermore, with the inclusion of another attacking midfielder in James Henry in the Shots’ side, Rochdale were able to make their numerical advantage tell by cutting through the Aldershot midfield like a hot knife through butter.

Both Rodney and Henderson are clever forwards in finding pockets of space and with no protection in front of them our young back three were finding it difficult to hold the home side at bay. Another incisive counter attack saw Aidan Barlow in space outside the Aldershot box and his powerful strike was parried away by Marcus Dewhurst, but unfortunately straight to Rodney, who buried his shot into the far corner. Being 2-0 down at half time you felt that Aldershot had a mountain to climb but, after recent results, not an unsurmountable one.

And to be fair Aldershot started to show some intent at the start of the 2nd half by making three changes to personnel. Kwame Thomas replaced the unfortunate Keane Anderson at half time and, shortly after, Dan Ellison replaced the struggling Levi Laing. finally, Theo Widdrington came on for the subdued James Henry to play a more defensive role. But just as they seemed to be gaining a foothold in the game, Will Armitage made a rare mistake by gifting a clearance to Rochdale deep in his own half and Rodney took full advantage to score his second and Rochdale’s third.

The final goal summed up Rochdale’s confidence and dominance. From a dangerous Aldershot corner, Rochdale broke from their own penalty area to Aldershot’s with a lightening counter attack, resulting in Rodney squaring the ball to Henderson, who had an easy tap in at the far post to conclude the scoring. Aldershot never laid down and continued to look to score a consolation, but in truth the home side were content to soak up the pressure and see out a comfortable win. Rochdale looked a very good all-round side on today’s evidence.

RATINGS (3-4-1-2)

DEWHURST 7 - Marcus might have done better with the 2nd goal but he made a number of good saves to keep the score down to four.

ARMITAGE 6 - Will unfortunately was at fault for the 3rd goal but he will emerge a stronger player for it. All part of the learning curve.

LAING 4 - I felt for Levi who had a shocker. The shake of his head as he was substituted told the whole story - he was as disappointed as anybody in the Aldershot camp.

WOODHOUSE 7 MOTM - It might seem strange to name a defender as Aldershot’s MOTM but Luca was good defensively and very calm in possession - I’d love to see him permanently in Aldershot’s colours but he is too good for this level.

AARON JONES 5 - Aaron had a torrid time trying to contain Allarakhia who skinned him for the final goal. He always gives 100% but up against pacy opponents like Allarakhia he does struggle at times.

HARGREAVES 5 - I thought that Cameron neglected his defensive duties today, especially as the team were without the tracking back qualities of Tyler Frost. I felt Cameron should have sat deeper and left the attacking duties to the front three - there were too many holes in our midfield which the Dale capitalised on.

ANDERSON 5 - Keane was exposed by the lightening Rochdale counter attacks in the first half and was sacrificed, somewhat unfairly I thought, at half time.

RYAN JONES 6 - Ryan had a quiet first half but did start to see more of the ball after half time.

HENRY 4 - James never got to grips with the number 10 position and hardly saw the ball before being substituted. He is a class player but needs to have a free role further forward.

BARRETT 5 - Josh showed flashes of his quality but Rochdale’s defence is one of the best in this league and gave him no room or time on the ball.

BARHAM 5 - Jack battled vainly up front as ever until he was subbed late in the name.

SUBS
THOMAS 6 - Kwame made a good impression, winning headers and generally holding the ball up well.
ELLISON 6 - Dan made our defence look more secure, but the tide of blue counter attacks kept him on his toes.
WIDDRINGTON 6 - Theo gave the side a semblance of control by patrolling the centre of the pitch and using the ball accurately.
CORBETT 5 - Kai had a couple of nice touches but didn’t really trouble the home defence.
MULLINS 5 - Max was always fighting a lost cause as Rochdale were content to defend in numbers.

I think the Management will look closely at the video of this game and tweak the side to give us more solidity. Dan Ellison is not being risked as a starter at the moment but I hope he is not far away from starting alongside Armitage and Woodhouse. Levi Laing has had a torrid baptism and it might be best to rest him for a few games.

The midfield continues to be a problem. None of Cameron Hargreaves, Keane Anderson and Theo Widdrington are strong defensively, although in time Keane could prove the answer. Hopefully Manny Maja can overcome his injury woes before too long, as he has the right attributes. In the meantime, I think Theo showed today that he is worth a start in midfield.

Up front, Kwame will hopefully begin to start games now as he definitely gives the side another dimension, and Jack Barham is in need of a break from the firing line I feel. But Tommy then has the dilemma of getting the right balance behind Kwame from talented attacking midfielders Josh Barrett, James Henry, Tyler Frost and Ryan Jones. It is a tricky dilemma.

Tuesday’s game versus Fylde is now an important game to restore confidence and hopefully get back to winning ways. The Manager has a few things to mull over before Tuesday in his team selection. I hope he can find the right formula.
COYS

[Silasgoldeen]

Thanks Alan. Good job on the radio.