Dale 11 get revenge over Fylde

ROCHDALE Men’s first team took on Fylde for only the second time in their history, and gained revenge after being on the wrong end of a result earlier in the season.

They managed the feat despite having a bare 11 squad. Captain Michael Waddicor chose to mix things up and opted for a 4-5-1 formation which proved to be Fylde’s undoing.

Rochdale’s midfield took early control of the centre of the pitch breaking Fylde’s play down, and created in the opposite direction.

James Shepherd gave Rochdale an early lead after intercepting returning Fylde defender desperately kept the ball out of the goal by illegally kicking the ball off the line.

All was not lost as Waddicor was awarded a penalty flick, who put it past the keeper to claim a 2-0 lead.

Before half time Shepherd was harshly brought down by the Fylde keeper when he found himself 1 on 1 after a pin point pass from Mark Vynne.

Rochdale were awarded a second penalty flick and with confidence after scoring the earlier flick, Waddicor stepped up gave the Flyde keeper no chance by placing it in to the side of the goal and gave Rochdale a 3-0 lead.

Rochdale were unlucky not to score more before half time, as well worked plays down the wings from Vynne and Lees unfortunately were not converted by Gowers who uncharacteristically smashed several shots wide of the goal.

With no substitutes available for Rochdale, Fylde had the fresher legs in the second half and started to put more and more pressure on as they pushed forward.

However the Rochdale defence of Andrew Borritt, Jonathan Herreran, Danny Ramsbottom and Tim Liptrot stood strong and gave Fylde very few clear chances.

Fylde did eventually score a consolation goal with 10 minutes to go after a mistake made by the now tired Rochdale defence.

However, in-form keeper James Deacy made sure that was the only shot to get past him for the rest of the day. It only spurred Rochdale on to create several more chances before the game ended.

Captain Waddicor said: “Today was an enjoyable day. Every single one of the lads worked hard, and we left it all on the pitch. We fought for every ball, we countered in style and we were worthy winners.”

Oulderhill man of the match went jointly to Michael Waddicor and Jonathan Herreran.