Home side make hard work of win

ROCHDALE have made a habit of making games hard and having to come from behind to take a win – and this game was no different.

The home side took the lead after 10 minutes when David Gowers scored out of nothing with a great shot from a tight angle. Although Didsbury levelled the score, Gowers quickly scored a second, again from a tight angle that was almost identical to his first.

At half time it was 2-1 and Rochdale felt they should have been further in front as they had far more possession. It was Didsbury, though, who came out stronger after the break, with two quick goals that took Rochdale by surprise while they fell asleep defensively.

However, bit by bit Rochdale started to get back into the game and produce more attacks on the counter. It was Gowers again on the mark, making it another hat-trick, after lifting the ball over the stranded Didsbury keeper to make it 3-3.

Rochdale captain Michael Waddicor had already made several weaving runs throughout the game, but this time he picked the ball up in Rochdales defensive third, ran the length of the pitch down the left, out pacing the Didsbury players, and slipped the ball under the keeper’s arm to put Rochdale back in front.

Didsbury did not give up and once more levelled the game at 4-4 after a dubious umpire decision in the build up.

But it was to be Rochdale’s day, James Shepherd breaking through the defence with the ball and for Sean Carney making a pass inside the D to Mark Eden, who rifled a shot into the net to win the game 5-4 with two minutes left on the clock.

Rochdale captain Waddicor said: “We are happy with the win today and of course the three points, keeping us top of the table. However we are capable of a lot more and it’s disappointing with haven’t found our form yet.”