Firsts repeat scoreline to stave off rivals’ revenge
WARRINGTON came into the weekend’s fixture still feeling a little hard done by after the last minute 3-2 defeat at their place two weeks previous.
With more pitch time under their belts since the last match, Rochdale made a better start than last time and enjoyed a good bit of possession with Warrington’s press proving less effective and the home side more confidence at the back.
Nevertheless, although the possession was fairly even, it was Warrington who were creating the better chances earlier on.
The better chances were coming from drawing the defence high, breaking at pace and then trying to thread the ball through.
Fortunately the final pass was usually well read and cut out – on the odd occasion it wasn’t sweeper keeper Brian Robinson was on hand to slide in and clear the danger.
The first goal went to Warrington with what looked like a well rehearsed move – the ball injected to the top of the circle, switched to the right for a first time deflection back to the penalty spot for a first time slap hit into the corner of the backboard.
A little stung, Rochdale redoubled their efforts to get on the score sheet and the equaliser was to come from a counter attack. Warrington managed to break through the Rochdale line down the right, but were caught up and slowed down by Luke Rosebury. The cross did come through but was picked off by Graham Broadley, who cleared it to Ricky Borritt on the halfway line to set up a three on three.
Driving at the defence, Borritt commited his man and slipped Kieran Hunter in behind. A quick 1-2 with Dave Gowers gave him the shooting angle at the top of the circle, which allowed him to thrash it into the bottom corner.
Rochdale were back level but would end the half one down. With another penetrating attack, Warrington got in behind and into the circle. Robinson did manage to make a challenge but unfortunately the ball spilled through to an open forward who wasted no time putting it into the open goal.
After the break, Rochdale’s equaliser came from their determination and desire. A strong attack led by Gowers broke down into a scrappy affair, with Warrington simply unable to clear it. Gowers’ reactions were the sharpest, executing a quick hit that sent the ball goalwards, it looked like it was going in anyway but Hunter made sure to bring
Rochdale level.
Tempers started to get a bit high as players started to tire and gaps in Warrington’s press allowed some good attacks to develop.
Some great chances came Rochdale’s way, with some brilliant shots only being kept out by an equally brilliant 68 year old goalkeeper who had a great game.
Fortunately for Rochdale, James Shepherd had kept himself on the pitch despite a heated midfield duel, which proved crucial in the last five minutes. Rochdale earned a penalty corner and Shepherd stepped up for a drag flick. He caught the defence out with a slow one that bounced awkwardly, it hit the backboard to put Rochdale 3-2 up with