Rochdale Report

By Eggy_Poolie
December 16 2006

Another 3 points makes it 15 points from 15 and more importantly we stay in the play-off places. Darryl Duffy got his fourth goal for Pools and it was enough to take the 3 points in a tight game against Rochdale

A goal from Darryl Duffy was enough to seperate the sides in a game of two halves for Pools. Hartlepool started the game full of confidence and created the better chances with very little in return from Rochdale.

The first real chance of the game came to Micky Nelson but his header went just wide of the post. Pools should have been infront within 10 minutes. Some great play by Eifion Williams to get into the box and square it to Darryl Duffy but Duffy's shot was weak and went straight to the goalkeeper.

Darryl Duffy made amends on 18 minutes when he scored his fourth goal for Pools. A cross in from Willie Boland was headed towards goal by Micky Nelson but Darryl Duffy headed it on and got the goal.

Rochdale did up their game after the goal. Rochale's Keith Barker played a ball across the box and Ben Clark almost put the ball in his own net but quick reactions from Dimi prevented Clarke getting his second career goal.

Just before the end of the half Tony Sweeney almost made it 2-0. He started a run from the half way line, beat 3 defender to get into the box and his shot was pushed onto the post by the Rochdale keeper

The first half was dominated by Pools. We got the ball on the floor and passed it well -but for some reason we stopped that in the second half and resorted to playing long balls. Rochdale put us under pressure and could easily have stole a goal.

The game second half was very scrappy and bogged down but very few chances were created. Dimi had to make a few puches away from goal.

Despite the bad football it was Pools who almost made the break through. Humphreys burst forward towards the by-line and crossed it in to Duffy whose shot went just wide of the target

In the end Pools held on. Despite Rochdale having most of the play in the second half they struggled to create real chances and the 3 points were staying in Hartlepool.

The win ensures that Hartlepool will stay in the play-offs and with Darlo playing Notts County today a draw could see Pools 3 points clear in the playoff places