14Sep

Off the mark in style

by Liam G

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It has taken a while, but Steve Eyre’s first league victory as Rochdale manager was well worth the wait.

Opening your account with a thumping of local rivals Bury is a spectacular way to pick up your first three points.

Dale were far from favourites for the trip to Gigg Lane and the veteran Bury defender Efe Sodje had “guaranteed” a Bury win.  Nobody could have predicted the events of Saturday 10^th September 2011.

By 18 minutes past 3, Rochdale were well in the box seat.  Goals from Ashley Grimes, Marcus Holness and former Shaker Nicky Adams had reduced the Bury defence to a vulnerable wreck.

Sodje- who plays a big role in the organisation of the rearguard- was being reminded of his outlandish statements by the travelling Dale supports’ constant taunts.

It could even have been more as the away side terrorised the hosts’ defence from every angle.  Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro was unfortunate not the grab another when he struck the bar in the frenetic opening period.

Mike Jones hit back for Bury, but in truth they never really threatened to regain parity.

When David Ball capitalised on Cameron Belford’s embarrassing error to make it 4-1 early in the second half, the result was in no doubt.

There was still time for an Andy Bishop consolation and a red card for a second bookable offence for Adams- who had been cautioned for celebrating his goal by removing his shirt.

The spectacular victory removed pressure on Eyre and also gave the side colossal confidence.

To be fair, Rochdale hadn’t played too badly for the most part this season.  As Eyre was quick to point out that- apart from the decisive penalty areas- Dale had been playing some neat passing football and bossing some games.

The confidence drawn from the derby triumph changed this for Scunthorpe’s visit to Spotland. Far from the most impressive performance aside, Dale looked more solid and composed as the grabbed a 1-0 win through Jason Kennedy’s quick reactions.

The former Darlington midfielder has found himself on the fringes of the first team in recent weeks, but has given his manager a huge selection headache for Charlton’s visit to the North West on Saturday.

Dale will be hard pressed to continue their good form against the promotion chasers, but it would be criminal to write them off, wouldn’t it Efe?

Posted by Rochdale fan Liam Geraghty