Rochdale AFC: September Review 2013
After experiencing a mixed start to the season, Dale looked to kick on in September with 3 of the 4 fixtures taking place at home. The first of which saw local rivals Bury make the short journey to Spotland.
Both teams entered the game in desperate need of a victory with the largest home attendance of the season packed into Spotland hoping to see a Dale win. Scott Hogan’s 36th minute goal settled a closely fought match. Two minutes after the goal, Peter Vincenti was sent off for a second bookable offence. This meant Dale had to play the remaining 52 minutes with 10 men. Dale held on and recorded only their second victory of the season. The following week saw Dale play Torquay. Another evenly matched contest was decided late on with Ian Henderson firing a late winner for Dale. Back to back 1-0 wins and 6 points secured. Solid if not spectacular.
Dale’s only away fixture of the month saw them travel to the Crown Ground to face Accrington Stanley. Unlike the previous fixture, where Dale left it late to snatch a win, the team hit the ground running and were 2-0 up within 13 minutes. Matty Lund opened the scoring in the 7th minute before Scott Hogan continued his wonderful run of form and added a second. Accrington pulled one back to leave the score at 2-1 before the familiar theme of indiscipline struck once more. George Donnelly saw red in first-half stoppage time having fouled Nicky Hunt. This left Dale clinging on for a result again. Accrington had a succession of chances to equalise but Dale showed their battling spirit and held on.
Maximum points from those three games saw Dale move into the playoff positions for the first time this season. The final game of the month saw Dale face Wycombe Wanderers. With momentum on their side following 3 straight victories, Dale got off to a flyer. Scott Hogan scored his 5th goal of the season to make it 1-0. Joe Bunney doubled the advantage before Michael Rose made it 3-0 with just 15 minutes on the clock. Matt McLure pulled a goal back for Wycombe to leave the score at halftime reading 3-1. Kuffour scored another for Wycombe to set up a tense finale. Dale again showed their ability to hold on to a result as the game ended 3-2. 4 wins from 4 meant September was a very good month for Dale, who move up to fifth in League Two.
Results:
Sky Bet League 2: Rochdale AFC 1-0 Bury
Sky Bet League 2: Rochdale AFC 1-0 Torquay United
Sky Bet League 2: Accrington Stanley 1-2 Rochdale AFC
Sky Bet League 2: Rochdale AFC 3-2 Wycombe Wanderers
