This was a vastly improved Rochdale St Clements team from the one that we had beaten so comprehensively earlier in the season.

From weeks ago having a selection problem of choosing from fifteen or sixteen players, we were now down to the bare bones, with players either injured or not being able to make the game.  We had twelve players available, one of which was a substitute goalkeeper.

The starting eleven was: Louis Kershaw (goalkeeper), Ross Whitworth (right-back), Joe McDonald (left-back) and the two lynch pins @ the back Louis Gilligan and Harrison Grant.  Aaron Holton, Liam Eadsforth, Jack Nadin, Bradley Humphries  and Kyle Robinson made up the midfield with instructions to try and get forward to support our lone striker Reece Mellor.

Peter has obviously been watching City and adopting Sven’ tactics. As club chairman there should be no doubts over his future, unlike Sven who may be on his way.    

Rochdale started very brightly and took a surprise lead! We were stung into action and a free-kick was awarded just outside the 18 yard box . This was Harrison Grant territory and he smacked a thunderbolt which rattled the crossbar and dropped for the onrushing Liam Eadsforth who fired the ball into the roof of the net.  We then had several chances to increase our lead but seemed to lack the required composure in-front of goal to take the lead.

Another free-kick was awarded and déjà vu that man Harrison Grant stepped up this time to whack the ball into the bottom corner.

Half time 2 – 1

The only change we could make @ half-time meant Paul Mullen taking over in goal.

We now started to play and get our passing game going. Harrison Grant scored another goal – and yes, it was from a free-kick, again from some way out! He’s obviously been watching Elano.

Jack Nadin rounded off a fine performance by getting himself a deserved goal when he outpaced the visitors defence to finish smartly. Rochdale where not finished however and after a fine run by their centre forward, pulled a goal back, finishing tidily, beating Paul @ his near post.

Man of the match was Jack Nadin who put in some excellent crosses from the right wing and got his reward by grabbing one of our goals! Well done Jack!

Full time 4 - 2