April 5 Rochdale 0-0 AFC Bournemouth Att: 5027

Last updated : 10 April 2010 By Richie Barker

It was the defences that ultimately triumphed today, but that in no way detracted from an absorbing game played with great commitment and no little skill by both sides. 

Pearce made a welcome comeback with Cooper feeing the effects of the Bradford game, and Connell was preferred to Fletcher in a midfield/forward role. The game was evenly balanced from the outset with both sides looking to be positive in possession. O’Grady was impressive for Rochdale, good in the air and with better technique and more mobility than is the norm for the division, but the tightness of the Bournemouth defence left him doing his best work well away from goal.

Bradbury picked up an ankle injury early on and was replaced by Igoe, forcing a redeployment of resources with Robinson moving to right back. Pearce had our best chance of the half towards the end but headed wide, and a first half full of good football but few clear chances ended goalless.

Rochdale had their best spell of possession early in the second half, but we weathered it successfully and started to enjoy our own spells of pressure with Rochdale pinned back and forced to defend, which, to be fair, they did well. Our best attacking threat was down the flank in the person of Wiggins whose pace and trickery were getting him to the by-line with encouraging frequency.

Another defender bit the dust, this time Garry, replaced by Partington with Bartley making his now customary switch to centre back. The big man had picked up an early booking which forced him to play with more restraint than usual but he was still hugely effective. Partington also deserves praise for a mini master class in holding midfield play, providing great protection for the back four and showing some nifty footwork in attack at times.

Rochdale did get some joy attacking down our right flank but Jalal was claiming crosses in commanding style and Partington, Pearce and Bartley worked tirelessly to deny them clear shooting chances once they got into the box. Igoe had our most impressive effort, a well struck dipping shot that just cleared the bar, to the relief of the keeper who would have struggled to make the save had the ball come down a fraction sooner.

Fletcher replaced Connell for the closing stages but made little impact, suggesting that Howe was right to start with the more mobile Connell, who had a productive game in a variety of midfield and attacking roles, although still lacking confidence in front of goal..

In the closing minutes Pitman did get the ball in the net, beating the keeper with a scuffed shot after being cleverly played in by Feeney, but he was ruled offside. Replays suggest he timed his run well and may have been unlucky, but in truth neither side deserved to lose this one. With other results going well both sides now have every chance of meeting at a higher level next season.

Man Of The MatchRhoys Wiggins shades it for his attacking contribution.

AFCB: Jalal, Bradbury, Garry, Pearce, Wiggins, Robinson, Hollands, Bartley, Feeney, Connell, Pitman
Subs: Thomas, Cummings, McQuoid, Stockley, Igoe (for Bradbury, 32 mins), Partington (for Garry, 57 mins), Fletcher (for Connell, 74 mins)
Richie Barker, Leyton