Back to the Football as Pools take on Rochdale

By Albatross
December 13 2002

After a two week break, and the last couple of days of allegations and outbursts, it's time to get back to the action on the pitch. Rochdale are the latest team aiming to get in the way of the Pools Promotion Bandwagon; will the Pools players be refreshed or rusty from their break?

Rochdale were one of the pre-season favourites, but to say they haven't lived up to that billing is an understatement. Now with Paul Simpson in charge, their form over the last couple of months has been poor to say the least and so they go into the game in 15th place, the same number of points above the relegation spots as they are from the Playoffs.

Having got off to a reasonable start, since the end of September they have failed to register a win in the league, and have only a Cup Win over Peterborough to show for their efforts. Their last nine league games have seen them gain just three points, and Simpson already finds himself under pressure. His own form hasn't been too bad - he's Dale's leading scorer with 9 - but with the optimism carried over from the last couple of seasons bolstered by the signings of known quality players over the summer, much more was expected of his team.

One of those names is of course Chris Beech. He has been trying to pour oil on troubled waters this week, claiming on the Rochdale site that he was more the victim in his departure from Pools - though like many Poolies I'm taking his comments with a large pinch of salt. Beech is unlikely to play though as he is suffering from a calf injury and has spent plenty of time on the treatment table this season already. Lee Hodges caused more than a few eyebrows to be raised when he joined up at Spotland, but seems to have had a falling out with the staff and hasn't featured very often.

Other than Simpson, Dale's most likely goal threat is another former Poolie in Paul Connor; the one-time loan player has netted six times this season. Clive Platt has notched five this year, and may be one to watch out for after a good performance in an attacking midfield role last week against Bristol Rovers in the cup. His strength in the air means that the Pools defence will have to be on it's toes.

When you look at the Rochdale Squad, you see the sort of mix of youth and experience that you'd expect to make them challengers - making it all the more surprising that they have slumped in the way they have. Neil Edwards is a more than competent 'Keeper who is close to "Legend" status amongst the fans, and there's experience too from the likes of Ian Bishop (yet to feature much due to injury), David Flitcroft, Richard Jobson, Beech, and Hodges, while they have three Northern Irish u-21 Internationals on their books at the moment in Lee McEvilly, Patrick McCourt and the on-loan Gavin Melaugh, and an England u-18 International in the shape of last season's leading scorer Kevin Townson. Another youngster - Simon Grand - may start in defence with Gareth Griffiths suspended.

Pools also have their suspension woes, and it's the troubled right side. Darrell Clarke and Mickey Barron will both sit the game out after collecting five yellows, and this presents Mike Newell with some selection difficulties. If he goes for 3-5-2, Arnison looks a certain starter at Wing Back; but who will play in the middle? If he goes for 4-4-2, does he start with Bass and Arnison, or play one of them and bring Steven Istead in for his first start? Does he spring a complete surprise and bring Paul Stephenson back? One rumour suggests that Richie Humphreys will switch to the right with Tommy Widdrington joining Tinks in Midfield; while Humphreys has undoubted skill he is also without doubt stronger with his left foot.

My gut feeling is that we'll go for 4-4-2 with Arno at right back, and that Humphreys and Smith will be the wide men. If the two of them start swapping over it will give the Rochdale defence something extra to worry about as well. Brian Barry-Murphy looks likely to start despite some feeling that he offers nothing more that Mark Robinson, and with Gordon Watson spending two weeks at Lilleshall as he battles for fitness there's unlikely to be changes up front either.

Prediction time then, and although on papaer this should be a comfortable win for Pools I don't think we'll find it easy. I'm still tipping us to take it though, 2-1 in a tight game with Williams and Tinkler to score.