Spotland, home of Rochdale AFC based in Greater Manchester. A first for me today! My miller mate Jack has got me a ticket for Rochdale Vs Rotherham United, making it a first away day with Rotherham on the 7th March 2020. Rotherham trying to cement their place in the automatic promotion places whereas Rochdale are trying to get away from relegation.
Arrival at the New York Stadium in Rotherham and on the bus we get. 1 hour and a few football riddles later and we arrived in Rochdale. Plenty of time to kill and Jack’s looking for a bookies and so were off for a walk. We found ourselves in Rochdale town centre after a while and what a hidden gem! A really lovely little town! Who’d have thought that? In the bookies and why not? Rotherham to win! Don’t let me down Millers!! Back to the ground we go, £22 to watch this League 1 clash! Okie Dokie! Plenty of noise from the Rotherham fans, hopefully a sign of things to come.
Kick Off! Bright start for Rotherham who dominated play. Wave after wave of Rotherham attacks won them a corner early on which was delivered towards Richard Wood!! Wide of the net. “LADAPOOOOO! Scoring all the goals FREDDIE! Make the Millers sing FREDDIE! Bouncing everywhere we goooooo!” Learning Rotherham chants already I was. Rotherham continued to dominate with Rochdale hardly coming out of their own half. 30 minutes gone and they were out of their own half now, Henderson running down the right for Rochdale who plays it inside, IT’S AARON WILBRAHAM!!! OFF THE LINE!! Thompson the life saver for Rotherham.
Moments later and Rochdale coming forward again. Ball into the box towards Ian Henderson… Jones couldn’t keep it out and Rochdale have the lead, 1-0. Rotherham responded well and had the ball on the right with Chiedozie Ogbene who delivered into the box, flicked on to Ben Wiles!! And Michael Smith scores!!!! But no he’s Offside… Controversial decision in my opinion but the goal wouldn’t stand and the score reamained 1-0 and that’s how it stayed at half time.
Second half, Rotherham came out fighting and were awarded a corner on the hour mark, whipped in and Thompson!!! Over the bar. 70 minutes gone and Rotherham lose possession in their own half, the ball was played in to Ian Henderson… It’s 2-0!! Just like that!! 75 minutes gone and another chance for Rochdale, a ball straight through the middle to Lund who was onside with the keeper committed… 3-0! Game over now! Rotherham fans clearly unhappy began to fight amongst themselves down one end of the stand. Stoppage time and Ben Wiles with the ball for Rotherham on the left who crossed in towards Lindsay!! 3-1 and a lifeless celebration on a damaging day for Rotherham. Wish I hadn’t backed them now…
FT: Rochdale 3-1 Rotherham United
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 6/10 – Fantastic atmosphere by Rotherham fans but hardly anything from the Rochdale fans, Rotherham fans winning the sing off with ease.
- The Ground: 5/10 – It’s an OK ground but nothing too special and the pitch was in a poor condition.
- Expense: 7/10 – A good day out for me personally, not sure about Jack but I enjoyed it for £22 seeing 4 goals.
- Overall Experience: 7/10 – A good day out but a shame on the result for Jack and the rest of the Rotherham faithful.
25/40