| We will need 3 goals on Saturday 08:50 - Apr 21 with 24687 views | dingdangblue |
Looking at York's only 2 away defeats this season both Boreham Wood and Gateshead scored 3. Also at Barnsley in the FA Cup who needed 3 goals to beat them. The last time they failed to score was at home to Solihull back in September 2025. The only other game they failed to score this season was at Southend 0-0 back in August 2025. Any thoughts of 1 or 2 goals and seeing the game out will end in tears. |  |
| |  |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 13:09 - Apr 21 with 13355 views | _Windydale |
I think we need to keep a strong attacking formation. Even if we go in front until at least last 10 remaining. Even with a two goal lead. keep them on their toes.
What i worry about is starting slow and attempting to slow down the pace at the start of the game. I think York are going to relish harrassing us and come out of the blocks and force us into mistakes and panic. [Post edited 21 Apr 13:10]
|  | | |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 13:31 - Apr 21 with 13300 views | dingdangblue |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 13:09 - Apr 21 by _Windydale |
I think we need to keep a strong attacking formation. Even if we go in front until at least last 10 remaining. Even with a two goal lead. keep them on their toes.
What i worry about is starting slow and attempting to slow down the pace at the start of the game. I think York are going to relish harrassing us and come out of the blocks and force us into mistakes and panic. [Post edited 21 Apr 13:10]
|
If we are drawing coming into the last 10 mins - they will definitely be cagey knowing a draw will do them. We aren't going to do an Oldham and be 3-0 up - we just aren't playing well enough at the minute and I can't see that happening on Saturday as the tension will be unbearable. As much as York fans think they battered us twice the FA Cup game was quite a dull affair only lit up when Newby scored a worldie from nowhere. The game at York we could easily have been ahead at ht and a 3-1 McBride makes a total hash of a 1 on 1 chance to make it 3-2 with 30 mins to go. Ollie Pearce is an obvious danger having scored 4 in 2 league games against us. Do we man mark him when we are out of possession? Is that something Jim is willing to do? | |
| |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 15:38 - Apr 21 with 13066 views | WhitworthDale |
I agree that the York game away was a bit of an anomaly- EEL uncharacteristically made two errors which led to goals.
The difference with York is if we do make an error they are likely to punish us.
My worry is our form but in a one off game, anything can happen. | | | |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 16:30 - Apr 21 with 12982 views | richfoad32 |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 13:31 - Apr 21 by dingdangblue |
If we are drawing coming into the last 10 mins - they will definitely be cagey knowing a draw will do them. We aren't going to do an Oldham and be 3-0 up - we just aren't playing well enough at the minute and I can't see that happening on Saturday as the tension will be unbearable. As much as York fans think they battered us twice the FA Cup game was quite a dull affair only lit up when Newby scored a worldie from nowhere. The game at York we could easily have been ahead at ht and a 3-1 McBride makes a total hash of a 1 on 1 chance to make it 3-2 with 30 mins to go. Ollie Pearce is an obvious danger having scored 4 in 2 league games against us. Do we man mark him when we are out of possession? Is that something Jim is willing to do? |
I would be more worried about Stones, EEL had a 'mare against him at York and also didn't play well against Tamworth's Lynch not so long ago who is a similar kind of player, strong, bustling and hard running. McNulty has to instil belief in the team and not keep bigging York up, they're not infallible. | | | |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 16:44 - Apr 21 with 12941 views | dingdangblue |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 16:30 - Apr 21 by richfoad32 |
I would be more worried about Stones, EEL had a 'mare against him at York and also didn't play well against Tamworth's Lynch not so long ago who is a similar kind of player, strong, bustling and hard running. McNulty has to instil belief in the team and not keep bigging York up, they're not infallible. |
If Mani D plays like he did in the opening 10 games of the season he could win the game for us. Just hope he got immense confidence from that goal last Saturday. | |
| |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 17:17 - Apr 21 with 12868 views | blackdogblue |
Someone in work showed me something of tick tock today or whatever that crap is…
It was York players on the pitch looking at their phones clip to the Nina 99 red ballon’s song..
It was dubbed:
99 “minutes” Red Balloons go cry
Was excellent tbh 🤣🤣 |  |
| |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 17:18 - Apr 21 with 12866 views | beat_the_bishop |
McNulty is lining himself for an excuse already with the whole ‘David and Goliath’ headline. He’s been well backed and had ample time to build this team. I suspect it’s some sort of deflection tactic but it’s not Rochdale in League One anymore up against your Southampton's etc. It’s York. And on the day, it’s about 11 men plus ‘finishers’ giving their all to become heroes after investing 9 months of effort, long trips, physically and mentally challenging season. I feel a bit uncomfortable with the approach but accustomed to it at the same time.
I think our form coming into it is a worry but being sensible, this is a far better and arguably easier outcome then the play off route. We are at home, a single football match away from back to the place we belong. These showdowns are surely what players want? Big crowds, big stakes, tactical nouse. York should be fearing coming, it needs to be hostile, high intensity and a bit chaotic. It would suit us. If we try the usual approach I fear it will be a missed opportunity. We need to do something slightly different on Saturday because this is now ‘play off football’. Completely different mindset and skill set. Fortune favours the brave.
York as Maynard alluded to are hurting from last season. And so are we. We felt that hurt twice over. If that isn’t fuel I don’t know what is.
Exciting prospect. Let’s hope we turn up! [Post edited 21 Apr 17:20]
|  | | |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 17:35 - Apr 21 with 12821 views | Dale_4_Life |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 17:18 - Apr 21 by beat_the_bishop |
McNulty is lining himself for an excuse already with the whole ‘David and Goliath’ headline. He’s been well backed and had ample time to build this team. I suspect it’s some sort of deflection tactic but it’s not Rochdale in League One anymore up against your Southampton's etc. It’s York. And on the day, it’s about 11 men plus ‘finishers’ giving their all to become heroes after investing 9 months of effort, long trips, physically and mentally challenging season. I feel a bit uncomfortable with the approach but accustomed to it at the same time.
I think our form coming into it is a worry but being sensible, this is a far better and arguably easier outcome then the play off route. We are at home, a single football match away from back to the place we belong. These showdowns are surely what players want? Big crowds, big stakes, tactical nouse. York should be fearing coming, it needs to be hostile, high intensity and a bit chaotic. It would suit us. If we try the usual approach I fear it will be a missed opportunity. We need to do something slightly different on Saturday because this is now ‘play off football’. Completely different mindset and skill set. Fortune favours the brave.
York as Maynard alluded to are hurting from last season. And so are we. We felt that hurt twice over. If that isn’t fuel I don’t know what is.
Exciting prospect. Let’s hope we turn up! [Post edited 21 Apr 17:20]
|
York should be fearing coming, it needs to be hostile, high intensity and a bit chaotic. It would suit us. If we try the usual approach I fear it will be a missed opportunity. We need to do something slightly different on Saturday because this is now ‘play off football’. Completely different mindset and skill set. Fortune favours the brave.
I like the above...
The players have been brilliant all season. We can beat York on Saturday there is no better chance to return back to the football league.
Oldham went at York in last seasons play offs, matched York in endeavor and then bullied them with attacking intent, confidence in their own ability and comfortable won 3-0 away from home.
The noise on Saturday is all Dale.. York supporters number limited and pushed up to the back of the stand.. its an incremental gain.
Be brave.. positive.. tenacious and I think it will be our promotion party on Saturday afternoon. This is what needs repeating to the players all this week. They have proved that they are talented enough. | | | |
Login to get fewer ads
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 18:17 - Apr 21 with 12726 views | 442Dale |
To expect a team who are comfortable playing a particular way to suddenly change their approach would be asking for trouble.
To invite chaos would create uncertainty. Chaos was created after 70 minutes last season v Southend. Look how that played out.
Chaos and ripping up the plan has a place - it was mentioned this was the case on Saturday when we needed a winner. It certainly isn’t from minute one.
I’d rather trust the players and coaching staff to find solutions to the problems York cause whilst looking to maximise our own strengths. As they have done collecting the record number of wins and points.
It’s only an opinion, but a possible key to success lies in how we can occupy Kitching rather than letting him push on to add to their attacks. If there was ever a day for Rodney to play at his explosive best and make Kitching worry about the space in behind, it’s Saturday. Win that battle and there’s a good chance we win the football match. |  |
| |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 18:39 - Apr 21 with 12667 views | dingdangblue |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 18:17 - Apr 21 by 442Dale |
To expect a team who are comfortable playing a particular way to suddenly change their approach would be asking for trouble.
To invite chaos would create uncertainty. Chaos was created after 70 minutes last season v Southend. Look how that played out.
Chaos and ripping up the plan has a place - it was mentioned this was the case on Saturday when we needed a winner. It certainly isn’t from minute one.
I’d rather trust the players and coaching staff to find solutions to the problems York cause whilst looking to maximise our own strengths. As they have done collecting the record number of wins and points.
It’s only an opinion, but a possible key to success lies in how we can occupy Kitching rather than letting him push on to add to their attacks. If there was ever a day for Rodney to play at his explosive best and make Kitching worry about the space in behind, it’s Saturday. Win that battle and there’s a good chance we win the football match. |
York obviously have their own threats and match winners but I think with Dieseruvwe and Rodney we have 2 players who can win it for us - the strength and height and finishing of Dieseruvwe and the explosive pace and power of Rodney. If they both turn up on Saturday we can make history. | |
| |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 18:43 - Apr 21 with 12648 views | dawlishdale |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 18:17 - Apr 21 by 442Dale |
To expect a team who are comfortable playing a particular way to suddenly change their approach would be asking for trouble.
To invite chaos would create uncertainty. Chaos was created after 70 minutes last season v Southend. Look how that played out.
Chaos and ripping up the plan has a place - it was mentioned this was the case on Saturday when we needed a winner. It certainly isn’t from minute one.
I’d rather trust the players and coaching staff to find solutions to the problems York cause whilst looking to maximise our own strengths. As they have done collecting the record number of wins and points.
It’s only an opinion, but a possible key to success lies in how we can occupy Kitching rather than letting him push on to add to their attacks. If there was ever a day for Rodney to play at his explosive best and make Kitching worry about the space in behind, it’s Saturday. Win that battle and there’s a good chance we win the football match. |
Kitching has been excellent for them this season, as has Pearce. We all know about Newby but couldn't deal with him in the Cup, and that Banks character seems a bit dirty, as well as being a damn good player.
However, on our day, we too have excellent players throughout the team, and ones who are more than capable of winning. I'm hoping that those recovering from lengthy injuries have fully recovered and that we really "have a go" at them letting them worry about us.
Up the Dale | | | |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 18:46 - Apr 21 with 12635 views | 442Dale |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 18:39 - Apr 21 by dingdangblue |
York obviously have their own threats and match winners but I think with Dieseruvwe and Rodney we have 2 players who can win it for us - the strength and height and finishing of Dieseruvwe and the explosive pace and power of Rodney. If they both turn up on Saturday we can make history. |
Yeah, having seen recent performances there’s no doubt that individuals playing towards their highest levels is the difference. Tactics and formations matter, but it’s not too simplistic to say that if the two you mentioned alongside Gordon and Gilmour playing at their best will see York struggle. | |
| |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 19:14 - Apr 21 with 12550 views | Clivert |
Hendo still has one last dance in his locker. |  | | |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 19:18 - Apr 21 with 12531 views | 442Dale |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 19:14 - Apr 21 by Clivert |
Hendo still has one last dance in his locker. |
It shouldn’t be his last even if he does score a winner on Saturday.
Would be amazed if we don’t offer him a new deal. Still fit, still our most clever forward, still an example to others. | |
| |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 20:04 - Apr 21 with 12419 views | TVOS1907 |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 19:18 - Apr 21 by 442Dale |
It shouldn’t be his last even if he does score a winner on Saturday.
Would be amazed if we don’t offer him a new deal. Still fit, still our most clever forward, still an example to others. |
I wonder how keen he is to beat Gary Jones' appearances record for the club.
Henderson is currently on 520, so he needs 12 more outings to pass Jones.
Being the leading scorer and leading appearance-maker really would be some achievement. |  |
| Maestro? No.
Elite? No.
Heavyweight poster? No.
Able to be rational and not over-react to individual results? Yes. |
| |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 20:27 - Apr 21 with 12365 views | Luke8686 |
Reading some of the comments from York fans, they think they will just turn up and roll us over on Saturday. I really hope we show them what a good side we can be. Form goes out the window, I'm expecting a really close, nervy, and hard fought game, with a few twists and turns, and of course another late winner from us! | | | |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 20:31 - Apr 21 with 12350 views | Clivert |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 19:18 - Apr 21 by 442Dale |
It shouldn’t be his last even if he does score a winner on Saturday.
Would be amazed if we don’t offer him a new deal. Still fit, still our most clever forward, still an example to others. |
I mean that he has one more epic moment in him. | | | |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 07:24 - Apr 22 with 11946 views | frenzied |
For me everything that has happened in the previous 45 games for these teams goes straight out of the window.
These players will never experience anything like this again..only the Liverpool v Arsenal game of 1989 comes close and that for Arsenal was an even bigger task as they had to go to Anfield and win by 2.
The caveat for this Sat game is that the loser gets a second bite at the cherry thro the play offs although the starts on teams finishing second getting promoted are poor...only 6 out of the last 23 seasons.
How on earth you prepare the players for this game is anyones guess?
Nerves will play a major part so getting the players to relax and play their natural game without fear will be paramount.
For the fans its something you want to part of and then you fear the consequences of a defeat and picking yourselves up for another bite at the cherry. | | | |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 08:39 - Apr 22 with 11862 views | Dale_4_Life |
I agree the side that handles the "occasion" best will likely go on to win the game..
Two very good National League sides.. Dale with the home advantage.
A lot can happen in the game.. Dale need to ensure that we retain discipline and composure for the duration of the game. I am sure we will turn up in spades. | | | |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 09:10 - Apr 22 with 11806 views | dingdangblue |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 07:24 - Apr 22 by frenzied |
For me everything that has happened in the previous 45 games for these teams goes straight out of the window.
These players will never experience anything like this again..only the Liverpool v Arsenal game of 1989 comes close and that for Arsenal was an even bigger task as they had to go to Anfield and win by 2.
The caveat for this Sat game is that the loser gets a second bite at the cherry thro the play offs although the starts on teams finishing second getting promoted are poor...only 6 out of the last 23 seasons.
How on earth you prepare the players for this game is anyones guess?
Nerves will play a major part so getting the players to relax and play their natural game without fear will be paramount.
For the fans its something you want to part of and then you fear the consequences of a defeat and picking yourselves up for another bite at the cherry. |
It's even harder when you are a club with a history of not winning anything and the narrative is we always fail in these big games. Yes we've had cup shocks down the years. Some amazing days but league wise and recent play off experiences take their toll. The 2 obvious successes are the Darlington play off and the Charlton game so we can do it. Winning a league title and getting back into the football league is all that matters on Saturday but York will want it just as much. A little bit of luck and belief from the manager,players and fans is vital. Nobody from Rochdale wants to see another team celebrating on our patch again. | |
| |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 09:28 - Apr 22 with 11778 views | Daley_Lama |
Southend scored 3 goals to win the playoffs last night but inexplicably fell short, perhaps we should play on the safe side and wish for 5 goals on saturday. |  |
| |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 09:37 - Apr 22 with 11760 views | MAK |
My thoughts are that we need to come out flying from kick off and try and get a goal in the first 20 mins. The first blow in this contest was landed on York in the 99th min at Braintree and its so important to get another one in as soon as possible. That'll upset the York game plan and put doubt through the team and fans. 6k plus Dale fans will be making all the noise and it'll be game on.
Starting slow and the usual pedestrian build up will play into the oppositions hands. Keep the ball on the grass as much as possible and move it fast and forwards. The long balls we've seen of late won't work here unless its 90 minutes plus. Some suggestions online are that York don't deal all that well with multiple decent crosses into the box, so we need to get whoever fits that role best to make it work on the left. I'm not sure who that is out of the 3 or 4 possibles. TAR and KG will hopefully click into top gear on the right. Every blade of grass needs to be used, not just across the back and through the middle.
Its very possible 3 goals will be needed, but whatever happens we need to give it everything we've got. That goes for us, the fans and the town, as well as the team and the club. These days are rare. Nobody wants to walk out of the there at 2.30 on Saturday thinking 'if only'. | | | |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 10:10 - Apr 22 with 11686 views | jonahwhereru |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 09:10 - Apr 22 by dingdangblue |
It's even harder when you are a club with a history of not winning anything and the narrative is we always fail in these big games. Yes we've had cup shocks down the years. Some amazing days but league wise and recent play off experiences take their toll. The 2 obvious successes are the Darlington play off and the Charlton game so we can do it. Winning a league title and getting back into the football league is all that matters on Saturday but York will want it just as much. A little bit of luck and belief from the manager,players and fans is vital. Nobody from Rochdale wants to see another team celebrating on our patch again. |
Who’s narrative?
This is a new ownership, new management, new team and even a new pitch. The past is best left where it is, time for us all to live in the present. we can do this.
UTD | | | |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 10:44 - Apr 22 with 11604 views | beat_the_bishop |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 09:37 - Apr 22 by MAK |
My thoughts are that we need to come out flying from kick off and try and get a goal in the first 20 mins. The first blow in this contest was landed on York in the 99th min at Braintree and its so important to get another one in as soon as possible. That'll upset the York game plan and put doubt through the team and fans. 6k plus Dale fans will be making all the noise and it'll be game on.
Starting slow and the usual pedestrian build up will play into the oppositions hands. Keep the ball on the grass as much as possible and move it fast and forwards. The long balls we've seen of late won't work here unless its 90 minutes plus. Some suggestions online are that York don't deal all that well with multiple decent crosses into the box, so we need to get whoever fits that role best to make it work on the left. I'm not sure who that is out of the 3 or 4 possibles. TAR and KG will hopefully click into top gear on the right. Every blade of grass needs to be used, not just across the back and through the middle.
Its very possible 3 goals will be needed, but whatever happens we need to give it everything we've got. That goes for us, the fans and the town, as well as the team and the club. These days are rare. Nobody wants to walk out of the there at 2.30 on Saturday thinking 'if only'. |
I agree. But, 100% sure it will be the same pedestrian, recycle recycle ethos. Jim has a brand, and recognition for his brand is as important to him as results.
York will be expecting the above, because it’s all we know. So, coming out of the traps with a few tasty challenges (firm but fair) will let them know it’s on and it’s going to be hard.
Interesting York aren a fan of the ball into the box. Ironically neither are we. Ebanks is the key this weekend. He needs to step up and show his experience over Stones. He got bullied last time out and no doubt that will be on his mind.
Moving the ball and off the ball movement is imperative. One reason for Mani D not being in the goals as much is the service hasn’t been there and his movement has been far more static (carrying a knock some say?). One thing Hendo gives is intelligent movement, he just appears everywhere. And he’s our version of Ollie Pearce.
I pray we have practice and confirmed who would take a penalty if we are fortunate enough to get one too. We’ve been woeful at them.
We can do it. Hopefully Done and Ginger Jase can rev them up too. | | | |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 11:13 - Apr 22 with 11513 views | dingdangblue |
| We will need 3 goals on Saturday on 10:10 - Apr 22 by jonahwhereru |
Who’s narrative?
This is a new ownership, new management, new team and even a new pitch. The past is best left where it is, time for us all to live in the present. we can do this.
UTD |
I really hope so - but until we actually do it this will still be the case. Actions speak louder than words so its time for actions. | |
| |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.