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Accrington v Rochdale: Preview

2010-03-19T11:03:14

Rochdale have turned down interest from several clubs in star defender Craig Dawson as Keith Hill's men focus on promotion.

The League Two Player of the Year was rumoured to be attracting attention from the likes of Spurs and Fulham.

Dale sitting pretty on top

2010-03-17T08:55:39

Rochdale’s bid to land the League Two title was bolstered over a positive weekend for the Spotland outfit.

Firstly, Keith Hill’s men picked up three points after a fine away performance at Shrewsbury thanks to Joe Thompson’s second half header. While the scoreline suggested a tight encounter against Paul Simpson’s team, in truth Dale were far and away the better side and could have scored three or four.

Hill hails 'brilliant' Rochdale

2010-03-15T11:13:35

Rochdale's coolness under pressure could prove crucial in their bid to land the League Two title.

Keith Hill's men continued their marvellous promotion push with a slender victory at Shrewsbury courtesy of Joe Thompson's second half header.

Shrewsbury 0 Rochdale 1

2010-03-13T17:13:18

Joe Thompson scored the only goal of the game as Rochdale’s promotion charge continued apace with victory at Shrewsbury.

Thompson had only been on the field for two minutes when he met Tom Kennedy’s free kick with a thumping header to beat David Button in the Shrews goal.

Shrewsbury v Rochdale: Preview

2010-03-12T12:20:30

Rochdale boss Keith Hill is planning a change of tack when his table-toppers travel to promotion rivals Shrewsbury.

Dale's tried and trusted 4-4-2 system has served the Spotland outfit well but with Will Atkinson returning to Hull City after a successful loan spell, Hill is prepared to try something new.

Dawson suitors told to 'put up or shut up'

2010-03-10T08:55:47

Rochdale boss Keith Hill has issued a ‘put up or shut up’ message to Premier League clubs considering a move for teenage star Craig Dawson.

Spurs and Fulham are all rumoured to be preparing bids in excess of £1m for the 19-year-old defender, who has been a revelation in his first year as a professional. The kingpin in one of League Two’s meanest defences, Dawson has also bagged an impressive tally of 11 goals.

Putting best feet forward

2010-03-10T08:55:44

The Dale Trust have announced that almost 100 supporters have completed forms for the walk to Accrington to raise money for the Bowlee project.

If all can reach the target set by the Trust of £75, the Bowlee coffers will be swelled by nearly £5000.

Hill warning comes home to roost

2010-03-08T13:05:56

Keith Hill warned his players against Lincoln's capacity to spring a surprise and his words came home to roost at Spotland on Saturday.

The Imps are struggling in the lower reaches of League Two, but almost pulled off an unlikely win after Chris Herd fired them ahead against the division's runaway leaders.

Rochdale 1 Lincoln 1

2010-03-06T17:05:59

Chris Dagnall's 70th minute strike handed Rochdale a share of the spoils on a frustrating afternoon for the League Two leaders.

Dale boss Keith Hill warned this would be a tough game and the visitors Lincoln belied their lowly position with a gritty display and soaked up long periods of intense Dale pressure until Dagnall struck.

Rochdale v Lincoln: Preview

2010-03-05T12:55:33

Former England striker Chris Sutton will be looking to spring a major surprise when his struggling Lincoln City side take on Rochdale at Spotland.

Keith Hill's League Two leaders are in fine form with 12 wins from their last 17 games.

Rochdale 4 Rotherham 0

2010-03-02T21:54:02

Rochdale issued a clear statement of intent with a comfortable victory over title rivals Rotherham at Spotland.

The hosts edged the first half with Chris Dagnall giving them an early lead before cutting loose after half time with a show of genuine quality. Keith Hill’s team has looked a cut above most of their opponents this season and here was further evidence of their League One credentials.

Rochdale v Rotherham: Preview

2010-03-02T12:03:22

Teenager Craig Dawson provided a timely boost for Rochdale ahead of their game against Rotherham by agreeing a new contract at Spotland.

The widely-coveted defender, who attracted a £250,000 bid from Scunthorpe in January, has extended his deal until the summer of 2012.

Macclesfield 0 Rochdale 1

2010-02-27T17:09:52

Table-topping Rochdale restored their five-point lead at the League Two summit

Although Macc striker Ricky Sappleton came close with a fifth minute shot at goal, Dale were by far the better side in the first half and should have gone in ahead at the break, only dogged defending from the home side keeping them at bay.

Dale boosted by new Dawson deal

2010-02-27T08:56:07

Teenage star Craig Dawson provided a timely boost for Rochdale this week by agreeing a new contract at Spotland.

The widely-coveted defender, who attracted a £250,000 bid from Scunthorpe recently, has extended his current deal until the summer of 2012. With a string of solid defensive displays and 10 goals to his name in his first year as a professional, Dawson’s suitors include Premier League clubs and manager Keith Hill insists the 19-year-old can go all the way to the top.

Macclesfield v Rochdale: Preview

2010-02-26T12:28:22

Keith Hill expects his Rochdale squad to bounce straight back to winning ways when they take on Macclesfield at the Moss Rose.

The League Two leaders suffered a 3-1 home defeat against Bradford City on Tuesday as their lead at the top was cut to two points.

Rochdale 1 Bradford 3

2010-02-23T22:08:06

Late goals from Robbie Threlfall and Gareth Evans caused an upset at Spotland as Bradford overturned the form book to beat League Two leaders Rochdale.

It was only Dale’s second defeat in 15 games as new Bantams chief Peter Taylor picked up his first win since taking charge at Valley Parade.

Hill's pitch battle ahead of Bradford game

2010-02-22T11:59:46

Late goals from Gary Jones and Chris O'Grady put paid to the Daggers' dogged resistance as Dale stretched their lead at the top of the table to five points - but their manager Keith Hill was far from content.

With another home match coming up against Bradford City on Tuesday, he is worried that Spotland's poor playing surface could hamper on the push for promotion.

Rochdale 3 Dagenham 1

2010-02-20T17:04:10

Rochdale extended their lead at the top of League Two to five points with late goals from Gary Jones and Chris O'Grady at Spotland.

Dagenham and Redbrdige provided stubborn opposition for the table-toppers and looked to have done enough to give boss John Still a pick-me-up as he missed the trip north due to illness.

Skipper Jones centred on Dale promotion

2010-02-13T08:55:47

Keeping Rochdale’s strong spine intact will pay dividends when the club secures promotion in May insists captain Gary Jones.

The inspirational skipper was delighted to see the club stave off interest in the likes of Craig Dawson and Chris Dagnall during last month’s transfer window, and said retaining the backbone of Keith Hill’s squad will pave the way to League One football next season.

Brown signs terms at Dale

2010-02-17T08:55:33

Following his nomination for League Two Apprentice of the Year Rochdale youth team player Chris Brown was celebrating on another front after signing professional terms at Rochdale.

Chris is the first scholar to sign professional terms under a new rule introduced by the Football League this season.

Walk to Accrington for Bowlee

2010-02-13T08:55:42

Rochdale Supporters Trust is encouraging fans to walk to Dale’s game at Accrington Stanley on Saturday 20 March to raise money for the Bowlee Training Ground project.

The 15-mile ‘Walk for Bowlee’ will start at Spotland at 7.30am on the morning of the game and end at Accrington’s Crown Ground in time for kick-off.

No fear factor in promotion race

2010-02-10T08:55:59

ROCHDALE returned to winning ways on Saturday with manager Keith Hill insisting the doubters were wrong to question his side after the derby defeat to Bury.

Dale put the 1-0 loss at Gigg Lane behind them with a 2-0 triumph over Dario Gradi’s men, taking them six points clear at the top of League Two before last night’s round of fixtures.

Hill pleads with doubting Rochdale fans

2010-02-08T13:58:24

Chris O'Grady's first-half strike and an own-goal by Mark Tootle handed the League Two leaders their ninth win from the last 13 games and provided the ideal response to any doubters questioning Dale's staying power.

"It was really important for us to get back to winning ways, otherwise people would have been asking questions and the supporters would have been saying `here we go again,'" said Dale boss Keith Hill referring to last week's 1-0 defeat by neighbours Bury.

"We don't have a game now for two weeks, so we can't affect what other teams are doing, we can only affect things when we play.

Rochdale 2 Crewe 0

2010-02-06T17:04:17

Top of the table Rochdale returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Crewe at Spotland.

Chris O’Grady, the Dale striker who missed a sitter from close range in the 1-0 defeat to Bury last time out, made amends with a terrific goal just eight minutes into the game.

Rochdale v Crewe: Preview

2010-02-05T11:35:37

Rochdale take on Crewe at Spotland looking to bounce back from a painful defeat to arch-rivals Bury.

The Gigg Lane loss was Dale's first in 12 games and manager Keith Hill knows there will be an expectency for the team to return to winning ways.

"It's a reflection of how well we have done this season and we don't want to take that away from our supporters who have been brilliant," said Hill.

Business as usual for Dale

2010-02-06T08:55:55

A RARE taste of defeat will not affect Rochdale’s appetite for promotion, insists Spotland boss Keith Hill.

The 1-0 defeat to Bury in Monday’s derby was Dale’s first loss in 12 games, but Hill said the blip has not affected confidence or focus on the task in hand.

Patience will pay off - Hill

2010-02-06T08:55:48

Keith Hill's team have a terrific record when it comes to bouncing back from defeat in a positive manner.

The Dale boss accepts there will be an air of expectancy when his side take the field against Crewe today –all he asks for is a little patience.

Trust key to our success

2010-02-03T08:55:01

KEITH HILL has urged Rochdale supporters not to become disillusioned by defeat to Bury in the Gigg Lane derby.

The Shakers’ 1-0 win on Monday was Dale’s first defeat in 12 games and brought to an end their fantastic run of form through the winter.

Bury 1 Rochdale 0

2010-02-02T11:44:54

Bury closed the gap on bitter rivals Rochdale as Ryan Lowe’s late effort handed the Shakers bragging rights in the north Manchester derby.

On a night of few chances, the winning strike came just minutes after Chris O’Grady spurned Dale’s best opportunity, screwing a shot wide from all of four yards.

Transfer deadline day blog

2010-02-01T17:15:01

Follow all the ins and outs from the region's local clubs as the clock ticks down to the 5pm deadline.

Bury v Rochdale: Preview

2010-01-29T11:34:09

Keith Hill has given his Rochdale players a huge vote of confidence ahead of Monday's derby clash with fellow promotion hopefuls Bury at Gigg Lane.

Dale have forged a 10-point gap between themselves and second-placed Bournemouth and while rival contenders have games in hand, Keith Hill's squad have looked a cut above the rest for some time, despite being low on numbers.

"The key to success is not losing and we have won eight of the 11 games we've gone unbeaten," said Hill.

Rochdale 0 Port Vale 0

2010-01-26T22:41:52

League Two leaders Rochdale extended their unbeaten run to 11 games with a 0-0 draw at home to Port Vale – but the game was overshadowed by the club’s decision to sell prize asset Will Buckley.

The 20-year-old winger has joined Watford in a £300,000 move.

Dale could have used some of Buckley's magic to break down a stubborn Vale defence content to collect a draw against the division’s top team.

Hill: We need to hold onto our stars

2010-01-26T14:42:14

ROCHDALE will be out to put more distance between themselves and the chasing pack tonight when they entertain Port Vale at Spotland.

Keith Hill's men go into the game full of confidence after Saturday's 4-1 win at Cheltenham left them clear at the top of League Two.

O'Grady's fairy-tale continues

2010-01-25T11:53:11

CHRIS O'Grady can't quite believe what's happening to him at Rochdale.

The former Oldham striker struggled for goals at Boundary Park but hit the form of his life when he moved to Spotland on loan in August.

O'Grady's hat-trick - the first of his career - was the highlight of a polished team performance as his three strikes sent him to the top of Dale's goal-scoring charts with 15 strikes.

Cheltenham 1 Rochdale 4

2010-01-23T17:01:41

ROCHDALE extended their unbeaten run to 10 games as Chris O'Grady netted a hat-trick in a comfortable victory over Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road.

With second-placed Bournemouth losing at Aldershot, the result put Keith Hill's men nine points clear the top of League Two.

Debutant Andy Haworth, who signed on loan from Blackburn last week, hit the post with a curling effort before O’Grady put Dale ahead in the 17th minute, collecting Chris Dagnall’s pass and firing past Scott Brown.

Cheltenham v Rochdale: Preview

2010-01-22T15:55:00

TOP of the table Rochdale have boosted their attacking options by taking highly-rated Blackburn Rovers youngster Andy Haworth on loan.

The 22-year-old has made a handful of appearances for the Premier League club and goes straight into Dale's squad for their trip to Cheltenham.

"Andy can play on the right or left flank or up front and he is a very talented player with a big future in the game," said boss Keith Hill.

Aldershot 1 Rochdale 1

2010-01-19T23:03:04

ROCHDALE squandered a wonderful opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of League Two to eight points after Aldershot equalised with three minutes left.

Chris Dagnall had given Keith Hill's men a 74th minute lead after a neat turn on the edge of the box. He raced towards the on-rushing Jaimez-Ruiz to lift the ball into the back of the net.

Louie Soares scored from close range in the 87th minute to earn a draw for Aldershot.

Rochdale v Port Vale postponed

2010-01-16T14:12:28

ROCHDALE'S clash with Port Vale has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch at Spotland.

Referee David Webb inspected the playing surface on Saturday morning and deemed it unplayable.

The match will now be played on Tuesday January 26 with a 7.45pm kick off.

Rochdale v Port Vale: Preview

2010-01-15T10:18:36

ROCHDALE are confident the home game against Port Vale will go ahead after supporters helped clear snow and ice off the pitch earlier in the week.

And Keith Hill's table-toppers are boosted by the permanent signing of striker Chris O'Grady.

The former Oldham hitman netted 12 goals during a 21-game loan spell at Spotland and formed a devastating strike partnership with Chris Dagnall.

Hill keeps foot on throttle

2010-01-11T14:16:00

KEITH Hill celebrated a manager of the month award double by leading his players through a tough training session on Saturday.

Dale's scheduled match at Aldershot was frozen off on Thursday and without a single League Two game played at the weekend, Hill's men sit five points clear at the top of the table and in a commanding position to end their 40-year wait for promotion.

Aldershot v Rochdale postponed

2010-01-07T13:08:17

ROCHDALE'S visit to Aldershot has been called off after a pitch inspection on Thursday lunch time.

The Recreation Ground and surrounding areas are covered in snow as the area has seen the biggest snowfalls in nearly two decades.

Rochdale v Rotherham postponed

2010-01-02T13:02:50

ROCHDALE'S clash with Rotherham has been called off because of the weather.

Snow at spotland means top of the table Dale will have to wait to face the third-placed Robins.

No new date has yet been set for the game.

Rochdale need no motivation

2009-12-31T07:00:38

ROCHDALE boss Keith Hill will not be short of motivation when his top-of-the-table side entertain Rotherham on Saturday.

Earlier in the season, Hill was livid after being forced to play at the Don Valley Stadium just days after it hosted a U2 concert.

Hill felt debris on the pitch made the fixture a danger to his players and pulled no punches in slating the state of the surface.

Dale indebted to loan star O'Grady

2009-12-29T11:50:05

ROCHDALE manager Keith Hill is hoping striker Chris O'Grady can fire the club to their first promotion for 40 years - providing Oldham are willing to do business.

The on-loan hitman opened the scoring in a thumping 4-1 win against Morecambe to keep Dale five points clear at the top of League Two.

After the game, Dale held successful talks with Manchester United over an extended loan deal for goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who will stay at the club for a further month, with a 24-hour recall clause.

Rochdale 4 Morecambe 1

2009-12-28T17:07:25

ROCHDALE consolidated their position at the top of League Two with victory over Morecambe at Spotland.

Sammy McIlroy’s men started brightly brightly and went close twice in the opening two minutes. Michael Twiss saw a volley parried wide by Tom Heaton while Wayne Curtis fired Garry Hunter’s cross over from six yards.

But the hosts took the lead when Will Atkinson set up Chris O’Grady, the on-loan Oldham man stabbing the ball past Barry Roche at the second attempt.

Crewe 2 Rochdale 2

2009-12-26T17:08:11

ROCHDALE took the lead twice against Crewe Alexandra but had to settle for a point after a pulsating game at the Alexandra Stadium.

Craig Dawson gave Dale the lead when he scored his fourth goal in three games but Ashley Westwood levelled.

Two minutes later Rochdale were back in front when substitute Kallum Higginbotham smashed home a goal-of-the-season contender from 25 yards, only for Matt Tootle to tap in from close range to earn the Railwaymen a point.

Rochdale: Half term report

2009-12-23T11:43:22

ROCHDALE are well set to end their 40-year wait for promotion after a sensational start to the campaign.

Saturday's win against Shrewsbury saw Dale move seven points clear at the top of League Two and 15 wins from 22 games so far tells its own story.

Check out our verdict on the stars of the show so far.

Dale go clear at the top

2009-12-21T13:27:04

ROCHDALE helped Keith Hill celebrate his third anniversary as manager with this crushing win to show just why they are League Two's Christmas No1.

It may be the pantomime season, but the quality of Rochdale's performance was no laughing matter for a lacklustre Shrewsbury who were comfortably brushed aside with two goals apiece from Craig Dawson and Chris O'Grady.

And now, much to Hill's delight, it's not so much: 'He's behind you' but 'they're all behind you', as Rochdale sit seven points clear at the top.

Rochdale 4 Shrewsbury 0

2009-12-19T17:10:47

ROCHDALE recorded their sixth straight win to extend their lead at the top of League Two to seven points.

The Spotland clash was the only league fixture to beat the weather and Rochdale took full advantage with a comfortable win over Shrewsbury Town.

Rochdale took the lead after just seven minutes. Tom Kennedy whipped in a corner from the right, and after Joe Thompson had flicked the ball on at the near post, Craig Dawson smashed home his second goal in a week from close range.

Rochdale v Shrewsbury: Preview

2009-12-18T13:46:28

ROCHDALE manager Keith Hill has said his side will be looking to exploit Shrewsbury's weaknesses as they go in search of a sixth consecutive league victory.

The Shrews travel to Spotland having won only one of their last seven league matches and Hill is confident of picking up a win if his team target their flaws.

"We have a collective plan to exploit their weaknesses and we have the defensive and offensive strategies to do that," said Hill, whose side top League Two.

Hill hails slick Rochdale

2009-12-14T12:07:38

KEITH Hill praised the quality of his Rochdale pass-masters after they strengthened their League Two title push with an easy win at Lincoln.

Dale had fallen behind in the first-half to Chris Herd's coolly-taken strike but hit-back through goals from Chris O'Grady, Craig Dawson and Joe Thompson.

The result extended their lead at the summit of the division to four points after Bournemouth were hammered by Morecambe.

Lincoln 1 Rochdale 3

2009-12-12T17:16:14

ROCHDALE extended their lead at the top of League Two to four points with a superb 3-1 victory at Lincoln.

Keith Hill’s side had fallen behind in the 24th minute when a sharp counter attack from Chris Sutton’s men had carved them open with Chris Herd finishing with aplomb.

But Dale showed the resilience that title contenders require as they responded through Chris O'Grady, Craig Dawson and Joe Thompson.

Lincoln v Rochdale: Preview

2009-12-11T12:09:31

ROCHDALE will be looking to strengthen their grip on top spot at struggling Lincoln.

The Imps have not won a league game since October while Dale have triumphed in their last four.

Boss Keith Hill has stated his determination to hang onto the squad that has moved to the summit of League Two.

Rochdale find surge of energy

2009-12-07T11:11:32

ROCHDALE boss manager Keith Hill hailed his side's "energy" after their fourth straight league win.

Will Atkinson, Scott Wiseman and Jason Taylor were all on target against the Silkmen for table-topping Dale.

"We were very professional. After the Bradford game there was a little bit of tiredness in the lads," said Hill.

Rochdale 3 Macclesfield 0

2009-12-07T09:18:23

ROCHDALE proved their title credentials with a comfortable victory against Macclesfield Town at Spotland.

Looking to maintain their top spot, Rochdale impressed against a Macclesfield side struggling for form.

Macc were forced into early substitutions after injuries saw Ricky Sappleton limp off the field and Hamza Bencherif exit on a stretcher. Dale sealed the win with Will Atikinson and Scott Wiseman slotting home two goals within a five-minute period in the first half. Jason Taylor added a third with the last kick of the match.

Rochdale v Macclefield: Preview

2009-12-04T11:44:19

TABLE-topping Rochdale may have to sell one of their stars in the January transfer window.

Ahead of Saturday's clash with Macclesfield at Spotland chairman Chris Dunphy said: "We will have to sell a player in January - but that's not as bad as it sounds.

"We have a lot of players who are out of contract at the end of the season and we are in a position right now where a lot of clubs are looking at several of them.

Don't sell my Rochdale stars, pleads Hill

2009-12-03T10:58:49

HIGH-flying Rochdale are looking down on the rest of League Two - and Keith Hill insists they can stay there providing they hold on to their prized assets.

Tuesday's 3-0 win at Bradford saw them leapfrog Bournemouth at the summit, putting them in a commanding position to end their 35-year stay in the Football League's bottom tier.

Bradford 0 Rochdale 3

2009-12-01T22:41:05

CHRIS Dagnall at his very best helped Rochdale climb to top of League Two as they outclassed Bradford at Valley Parade.

The Bantams will be glad to see the back of Dagnall who had the better of the host's back four with his clever movement and sharp pace.

Despite a bright start from Bradford it was Dale who struck first on 12 minutes when Dagnall took advantage of a poor kick from goalkeeper Simon Eastwood. The Dale striker had work to do as he drove into the box before finishing across goal.

Bradford v Rochdale: Preview

2009-12-01T11:30:17

ROCHDALE go up against some familiar faces when they take on Bradford City at Valley Parade tonight.

Former Dale favourite Simon Ramsden signed for the Bantams in the summer while Simon Whaley – on loan at Spotland just last month – scored on his debut for Stuart McCall's men at Grimsby last weekend.

Dawson is tipped for the top

2009-11-26T14:02:59

PROMISING Rochdale defender Craig Dawson earned more rave reviews following his performance against Notts County on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old, signed from Radcliffe Borough earlier this year, bossed former Premier League striker Ade Akinbiyi during the 2-1 win at Spotland.

Rochdale 2 Notts County 1

2009-11-25T10:12:03

SVEN-GORAN Eriksson and Notts County left Spotland empty-handed on Tuesday night as first-half goals from Chris Dagnall and Chris O'Grady handed Dale victory.

League Two's richest club were second best to Keith Hill's side, the squad put together on a shoestring budget fighting back to embarrass the big-money men from Nottingham.

Rochdale v Notts County: Preview

2009-11-24T12:48:42

ROCHDALE boss Keith Hill is looking forward to pitting his wits against the division's richest club when Notts County visit Spotland on Tuesday night.

"The way Notts County have gone about trying to win promotion brings its own problems," said Hill. "There are no guarantees in football and they are there to be shot at while opposing players go out to prove they are better than the big-money signings."

Dag & Red 1 Rochdale 2

2009-11-21T17:02:00

SECOND-half strikes from Kallum Higginbotham and Craig Dawson saw Rochdale knock Dagenham and Redbridge off top spot in League Two.

Rochdale were at sixes and sevens in the first half as Dagenham raced out of the blocks and took the lead just three minutes in when Danny Green’s cross was allowed to bounce in the area, Peter Gain seizing on the opportunity at the back post to loop a header past Tom Heaton.

Dagenham & Redbridge v Rochdale: Preview

2009-11-20T14:12:30

KEITH Hill has boosted his threadbare Rochdale squad with a double swoop into the loan market.

In come Rotherham United midfielder Jason Taylor and Hull City winger Will Atkinson and both go straight into the squad for Saturday's game at table-topping Dagenham & Redbridge.

Dale may be forced to sell

2009-11-19T12:01:48

ROCHDALE manager Keith Hill has called for a reality check at cash-strapped Spotland.

Dale's form in the first third of the season has been so impressive they are being talked about as top-three finishers.

Injuries mount for Rochdale

2009-11-18T12:53:46

ROCHDALE boss Keith Hill is scouring the loan market in the hope of bolstering his depleted squad.

Skipper Gary Jones joined Adam Rundle, Joe Thompson and Will Buckley on the injury list when he limped out of Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Chesterfield.