Next stop Darlo

Keith Hill made eight changes to the side that played Bury last week and his young side fought hard in a labored 1-1 draw against Shrewsbury.

Emotions were running high at the start of the game as the players, staff and fans took part in a minutes applause for Johnny Flitcroft, the father of assistant manager Dave Flitcroft, who sadly passed away this week.

It was Shrewsbury who had the better of the first 45 minutes and it was they who took a deservedly lead after 34 minutes. Ben Davies delivered well from a Shrewsbury free-kick and Asa Hall headed terrifically into the bottom corner to take the lead.

Dale were lucky not to be two down going into the interval as Shrewsbury were causing threats, James constable missing a couple of great chances to extend the lead.

But Rochdale got to half-time just a goal down. They came out of the second half like a greyhound out of the traps. Fighting for every ball and looking more sharper.
10 minutes into the half their efforts were rewarded. Shrews ‘keeper Scott Bevan made a mess of Simon Ramsden’s cross, dropping the ball in his second attempt to catch the cross. Unfortunately for him the ball landed at the feet of Chris Dagnall, who coolly took it round Bevan and fired home.

Then credit to the young side who pushed for the victory and they fought they’d got it when Alfie superbly took down Dagnall’s flick on and slotted home. However, the linesman deemed Alfie offside and the celebrations were halted.

The final whistle went and the Spotland crowd were delighted to hear Darlington as their opponents a week today.

Rochdale are now three games away from the dream of promotion.