Feb 18 Rochdale 1-0 AFC Bournemouth Att: 2499

Last updated : 29 February 2012 By Richie Barker

Or would the stinging hailstorm that interrupted a hitherto improbably sunny Rochdale afternoon just in time for our long uphill walk to Spotland prove to be an omen?

Purches was back in the side with Cook on crutches in the stand having injured his ankle in training, Francis filling in as centre back, and it was Arter’s turn to accompany McDonald in midfield.

Long after the rest of this game is deservedly forgotten it will be remembered for a horribly unfortunate incident early in the first half. Purches and Kennedy sprinted into a challenge which was so much a 50-50 that both players made contact with the ball simultaneously. No blame attaches to what was nothing more than a fully committed challenge for the ball from both players, but Purches was left on the ground after what must have been the equivalent of kicking a brick wall. He was applauded off on a stretcher after seven minutes of treatment on the pitch for what subsequently proved to be a double fracture of his leg. Dan Strugnell, who probably hadn’t even been expecting to be on the bench, came on for his debut, playing at centre back with Francis revering to right back.

Apart from a well-struck but comfortably saved effort from McDermott, Rochdale dominated the goal attempts in the first half, but Flahavan had put the midweek error against Orient behind him and was equal to the challenge. Strugnell did not look at all out of place, sensibly keeping things uncomplicated and contributing some useful clearances.

Rochdale continued to have the best of the play in the second half with Bournemouth fashioning only one good chance, Tubbs failing to hit the target after some good work by Thomas. Arter contributed his obligatory losing the ball in a dangerous position moment, and was rescued by Flahavan making a good save from Jones with his feet.

Rochdale continued to dominate possession and put a series of dangerous balls into the box, but a combination of luck, good goalkeeping and last-ditch defending kept the scores level.

Tubbs was replaced by Fletcher to a chorus of “What a waste of money” from the Rochdale fans. Some of the away fans were moved to join in, and a lot more must have been thinking it. No pace, poor control, not strong, wins nothing in the air and his presence seems to be disrupting the game of the previously effective Thomas – apart from that worth every penny. This substitution, and the introduction of Malone with five minutes remaining, came too late to have an impact on what had been a woeful offensive display.

As the fourth official signalled three minutes of added time to be played it seemed that we had ridden our luck to pick up a fortunate point, but it was not to be. Seconds after an initial penalty appeal was turned down, the inexperienced Strugnell was professionally steering Thompson away from goal when the rather more experienced Arter inexplicably decided to barge into the back of said player to leave the referee with an easy penalty decision. Congratulations Harry, you just wasted 90 minutes of effort on behalf of your colleagues, not to mention the time and money of those of us deranged enough to travel to watch this stuff.

Gary Jones comfortably converted the penalty and Rochdale had the three points that their play warranted. The only good to come out of this will be if the three points help to keep Rochdale up and give us another chance to enjoy a visit to “The Baum” next season. On reflection we probably should have spent the afternoon there instead.

Man Of The MatchDarryl Flahavan, who made several good saves to keep us in the game.

AFCB: Flahavan, Purches, Francis, Zubar, Daniels, Pugh, MacDonald, Arter, McDermott, Tubbs, Thomas
Subs: Stockley, Gregory, Strugnell (for Purches, 13 mins), Malone (for McDermott, 85 mins), Fletcher (for Tubbs, 85 mins)

Richard Barker, Leyton