Absent players dilute Dalians
ROCHDALIANS boss Mark Wilson was left pondering what might have been following his side’s narrow defeat at Old Trafford and Gorse Hill.
Saturday’s game saw Wilson forced to make six changes to the side which beat Old Ashtonians 5-0 the previous weekend, as the Dalians slipped to a 1-0 defeat away to the Salford based side.
The result ended their four game unbeaten run and leaves the reigning champions sixth in the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL Premier Division on 27 points, just a point behind last season’s Division One winners Tintwistle Athletic.
Maintaining a level of consistency in the squad has been a major problem for Mark Wilson’s side this season, and it came back to haunt them once again on Saturday.
“The team was somewhat decimated by unavailability and injury,” said Wilson. “It had a major effect through the spine of the team; centre midfield, centre half and then the striker up front.
“We had plenty of possession but we didn’t test the keeper as much as we should’ve done.
“If they’d have been there I think we’d have scored at least one and got a result.”
Those missing for the Dalians included striker Nick Hands, who scored four of his sides five goals at Old Ashtonians, and centre back Scott Hopley, who is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a serious leg injury.
However, despite missing half a dozen first team players, and only being able to name a solitary substitute, Rochdalians were resilient, their defensive efforts contributing to a game with few clear cut chances.
The crucial moment came with twenty minutes left to play, as Rochdalians lost possession in defence and Old Trafford and Gorse Hill capitalised to score.
However, it could have been more had it not been for the efforts of keeper Peter Stewart, who made a number of crucial saves, including tipping a point blank shot onto the bar.
Stewart has played a key role at the back for the Dalians in the second half of the season, his efforts contributing to the second best defensive record in the league, and Wilson singled him out after Saturday’s match.
“Peter was outstanding in goal,” said Wilson. “He made some good saves, his distribution was good and he dealt with crosses well.
“We’ve always been tight at the back; the team is built on solid foundations which is why we’ve won the league the last two years.”
Rochdalians’ next game sees South Manchester visit Springhill with the away side, currently placed eighth in the league, knowing that a victory would see them climb above Dalians in the table.
“Providing we’ve got the players, I’m confident we can win,” Wilson said. “We always have tough games with South Manchester, and we’re expecting another tough game on Saturday.”
‘We had plenty of possession but didn’t test the keeper as much as we should have’