Rochdale managed to sneak a last minute winner to stay in fifth and keep the pressure on at the top end of the table. Full match report and player ratings finally online after a busy and messy weekend!

Rochdale returned to winning ways with a comfortable win over Rushden and Diamonds.  The game was never in doubt really and the better side won the game with not too much effort. 

Actually, come to think of it, we just managed to sneak the three points with a last minute goal from Jon Boardman after Dale had thrown away a one goal lead with an error from Matt Gilks in what was an even game.

Steve Parkin was forced into making changes as Grant Holt was missing through suspension.  Ernie Cooksey and Neil Brisco were still out injured and Parkin opted for a 4-4-2 and Dale started the game with the G-Unit at the back.  Matt Gilks started in net, Warren Goodhind made his Rochdale debut at right back, Alan Goodall returned to the starting place at left back and Gareth Griffiths and Tony Gallimore at centre back completing the G-Unit!  Jamie Clarke played right wing, Tommy Jaszczun at left wing with Scott Warner and Gary Jones in the middle.  Blair Sturrock and Rickie Lambert played up front.  The bench consisted of Danny Woodhall, Rory McArdle, Gary Brown, Jon Boardman and Paul Tait.

The game started off poorly with neither team looking on top of their game.  Rushden had the first real chance of the game with less than fifteen minutes gone when on loan striker Chris O'Grady did well down the wing and forced Tony Gallimore to knock the ball out for a corner.  From that corner, Dave Savage headed narrowly over the crossbar.

Alan Goodall could have put Dale in the lead but his header from Jamie Clarke's cross wasn't good enough to beat the keeper.

O'Grady was causing problems up front for Rushden and he had an effort saved by Matthew Gilks who turned it round the post for a corner.

The game was basically a midfield battle in the first half with very little chances but as the board for stoppage time in the first half went up, Rochdale took the lead.  A high ball up to Lambert was excellent nodded down straight to Blair Sturrock who struck the ball on his right foot and his effort deflected off Phil Gulliver sending the keeper the wrong way and the ball ended up in the opposite corner to make it 1-0 to Rochdale.  This was Sturrock's second goal for the club in his seventh start.

The half time whistle went and Rochdale went into the interval a goal up.

The second half was another poor showing as a football match and Dale allowed Rushden back into the game with just five minutes of the half gone.

A freekick was given about twenty five yards out and McCafferty struck it straight at Gilks but unfortunately, Matt fumbled it straight to Okuongae who made no mistake with a simple finish to make it 1-1.

Gareth Griffiths went up for a header but landed in a heap after getting a knee in the back and it wasn't long before Griffiths had to be replaced due to his back going.  The G-Unit was split up and Jon Boardman replaced G 5 in the centre of defence.

Rushden substitute Danny Grainger was guilty of one of the worst misses you're ever likely to see in football.  Had Danny Baker been watching, he could have started another own goals and gaffs video based on it.  O'Grady broke down the left and cut the ball back to Grainger who was about four yards out and all he had to do was side foot it home but he absolutely ballooned it into the W.M.G stand with three sides of the ground absolutely wetting themselves!  Taxi for Grainger!!

Paul Tait made his way on to the pitch in place of goalscorer Blair Sturrock despite my desperate plea for him not to come on and to be fair, he came on and did well as far as Tait performances go, fully deserving of a six on the ratings I think.

Gary Brown soon followed as he replaced a knackered Warren Goodhind who had made a good first impression with a composed and battling performance.

The game went through another quiet spell with very few chances being created.  That was until the last minute when Rochdale snatched a somewhat undeserved win thanks to Jon Boardman.  Jamie Clarke swung a corner in which was headed back out to him, he hit a first time cross very sweetly straight to Boardman who leapt highest to head past the Rushden keeper as the board was going up to indicate time added on.  Great time for a winner but it was harsh on Rushden.

The final whistle blew and Dale narrowed the gap on Grimsby at the top to just four points.

Player Ratings:

Matt Gilks 5 Totally at fault for the goal which was an awful mistake.  Little else to deal with

Warren Goodhind 7 Very impressed with our new signing.  Settled in well at right back and looked good though he was knackered in the second half

Alan Goodall 6 Didn't look excellent going forward too often but defended quite well

Tony Gallimore 7 Another Galli like performance.  Solid and didn't look too troubled by a poor attack

Gareth Griffiths 7 Did well as usual until he was absolutely battered in a challenge which resulted in him having to go off

Jamie Clarke 6 Not bad from Clarke, linked up well with Goodhind

Tommy Jaszczun 6 Not too bad this week from Jaz.  Got forward well and looked to supply the front two at every opportunity

Gary Jones 7 Impressive from Jones, got forward well and got stuck in

Scott Warner 7 Scott looked good again today, good passing and his control and touch were excellent

Rickie Lambert 7 Good touch and control and some of his passing was excellent.  Had a big hand in Stuzza's goal as well

Blair Sturrock 7 Battled very well and was rewarded with a goal.  Certainly is a grafter

Sub:  

Jon Boardman 7 Looked excellent when he came on, didn't look in trouble and scored a good winner

Paul Tait 6 Didn't do overly bad did Tait & Lyle.  Thought he could have shot when he was put through but he picked a pass instead.

Gary Brown 7 On shortly after Taiter Pie and got involved well.  Looks a good prospect

Photo: Action Images

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