Back to the real matters of trying to win a league match for the first time since Agincourt. Two games undeafeated at the moment anything for small mercies. Rochdale arrive at Deepdale for the first time since they beat us in an FA Cup match in about 2003. Both teams could well be different from the JPT match at Spotland last week, but who will we have up front Hume trained all last week and reports of Mellor returning. Can we do it we will see on Saturday.
Another home defeat this time to Rochdale made for a gloomy journey home. Plus point was we only conceeded one, negative point we failed to score. The first half was forgettable with no efforts on target by either side. North End got into some decent positions but were let down by a poor final ball. A run by Mayor being the prime example the final ball gave Tsoumou no chance. Tsoumou soon departed tactically substituted after 25 minutes to be replaced by Mellor. A shout by Coutts which went wide. For Dale skipper Jones was their only meaningful effort a poor half not helped by an even poorer referee, I'll not name name so your safe Mr Langford. As with the Johnstone's Paint Trophy match 10 days ago Rochdale started the 2nd half the better with Bunn on the left winger looking a danger every time he got the ball. Sure enough a Bunn foray into the penalty area ended up with him being bought down by McLoughlan, a decision Mr X got right. Jones took the kick and giant North End keeper Stuckmann pulled off a great save. Finally North End woke up and really should have gone ahead, a cross from the right found Mellor 3 yards from goal, unmarked, he hit the post. The match was quite entertaining for a period as both sides attacked, although have to say Rochdale were slightly more dangerous. Then came the winner about 10 minutes from time, there was a touch of fortune about it as Bunn again caused panic in the home defence a few richochet's and the ball end up with Adams tapping home from close range. (0-1) North End threw every thing forward in a vain attempt to level the score and finallyu forced Lucas in the Dale goal to save a shot it had taken 80 plus minutes for him to be tested. Right at the death it looked as though Parry had been brought down in the Dale box but Mr X did not give it and at the final whistle the displeasure from the home fans was heard (again) In the village where I live you can just about see the glow from Fleetwood's floodlights, the way thing are going we could be playing them in a league match next season. Preston North End 0 Rochdale 1 Att 10300
thanks for the unbiased report themaclad.......sounds like mr x got a few things wrong, good attendance tho', is that your normal crowd?....how many were dale? not like jonesy to miss a pen.....anyway, good luck for the rest of the season...
Not a massive turnout from your lads poss about 750, they made a bit of noise, we will bring slightly more inj the New Year, the penalty shoot out last week must have been in Jones's mind he went the opposite way and thekeeper guessed right. We don't need luck, we need a win
