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Despite reported injuries Michael Reddy and Martin Gritton played, as did John McDermott who was also struggling. Striker David Soames was a shock substitute, after only recently returning to light training following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Both teams looked up for it in the first 10 minutes with both teams coming close. On 16 minutes Town brought on Thomas Pinault, as it was clear that Michael Reddy was struggling. Parkinson moved up front catering for the space in midfield, filled by Pinault.
3 minutes later Rochdale brought on former Mariner Tony Gallimore to replace Greg Heald, who also seemed to be in difficulty. Rochdale sat comfortably and dominated the first half, both Leo Bertos and Grant Holt testing wobbly welsh keeper Anthony Williams.
Town had two chances, Andy Parkinson was set free to run at goal but, with the fine tuned Rochdale defence on his toes, he overshot his run and could only tap the ball slowly into the keepers arms. A few minutes later Jason Crowe attempted to catch the keeper of guard with a 30 yard effort which was palmed over the bar by Dale keeper Matthew Gilks.
On 27 minutes a Rochdale corner resulted in a superb volley from Rickie
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Half time saw Rob Jones replacing Jason Crowe who seemed to have acquired an injury and a pair of crutches. Town attempted to get the show back on the road, however the players could not keep the ball on the deck and Parkinson,Gritton,Fleming and Pinault all seemd to squander good attacking movements.
The ref was loving his pocket, He booked and booked all night for the slightest thing, and after booking Crowe in the first period for colliding with Lambert, he should of sent striker Grant Holt of for tossling and nudging Terrell Forbes and Justin Whittle.
On 65 minutes Rochdale defender Wayne Evans was sent off for a deliberate hand ball, Town had the chance now to go on and win. Pinault took the resulting free kick and hit hight over the Dale goal.
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Injury prone youngster David"Digger"Soames was brought on for his first apperance of the season. He replaced John McDermott after 74 minutes of play.
Soames pumped forward and ran round like a little terrier, he collided with Griffiths, and brought the Rochdale defender to the floor, despite little harm Digger was booked by the card happy ref Mr P Prosser(we can think of words for that).
Town pulled everyone up and after some good link up play,at last, Town managed to thread the ball to Pinault but sadly he shot just wide. A few moments later a Pinault corner floated in but Rob Jones headed over despite Martin Gritton in a better position and stood behind him.
With Town making stupid mistakes, passing to the opponents and making us more frustrated they gave the ball away in the 94th minute, Grant Holt skinned Forbes and laid the ball of when he came up against Rob Jones, the ball fell nicely to Gary Jones who thundered the ball in of the post, past Williams.
The final whistle was brought by the chanting of "SLADE OUT,SLADE OUT", despite this by far being the most awful,shameful and rubbish peformance in a long while, Slade did not deserve this chanting.
All credit to Rochdale they finished there chances well, and were always on the ball and watching to catch Town of there guard, however, the thing which makes this so frustrating is the fact that Rochdale were not particually any good. Apart from Griffiths and Gallimore at the back who were solid, Rochdale only pulled of an average peformance, which was met with a far,far ,long,deep below average peformance by the lackluster Mariners. Town proved tonight that they are probably the most inconsistent side in Europe.
PLAYER RATINGS
Anthony Williams -Not at fault for goals but wobbly.
Simon Ramsden -Looked lost and nervous.
Justin Whittle -Just hoofed the ball all over the park.
Terrell Forbes -Caught of guard often and was careless.
John McDermott -Ran socks off but had no support.
Jason Crowe -Looked lazy, however he was injured.
Stacy Coldicott -Failed to complete passes,gave the ball away.
Terry Fleming -Good tackling,but commited himself often
Andy Parkinson -Marked out the game and wasted chances.
Martin Gritton -Heavily marked and looked frustrated.
Michael Reddy -Played well in his 16 minutes on the field
SUBS
Rob Jones -Was as solid as ever when he came on.
Thomas Pinault -Nothing added, did not impress.
David Soames -Showed determination and eagerness.
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