Spot kick success takes Raff back

WHEN Joe Rafferty stroked home the decisive spot kick against Oldham on Tuesday he was very mindful of the dramas of last season.

The full-back missed a penalty in a goalless draw against Oldham in the league last season, but Dale went on to grab a final day lifeline courtesy of Joe Thompson’s winner against Charlton, while Oldham were condemned to League Two.

“I was made up to be able to score it,” said Rafferty. “We said last season that it was God’s plan! It went down to the last day, JT ended up scoring after coming back from his illness, so I just believed I was meant to miss that penalty!

“But this one, I was always going to score!

“Matty Gillam would have taken it, he’s a good penalty taker. When I grabbed the ball I was looking for him, but then I realised he was off the pitch!

“It was up to me and Brad [Inman], and I think Dan Adshead wanted it, but I always want to step up. If I get a chance to score then I want to take it.”

The 25-year-old was already celebrating for other reasons, having got engaged at the weekend, as well as reaching an appearance landmark for the club.

“I’m over the moon! It was my 250th appearance as well, so it’s all good.”