Preview: Rochdale vs. Darlington
15-May-2008
Predicting the outcome of a match between these two teams is a very difficult task. For the past week I’ve been looking at their squads, checking their final standings in League Two, reviewing their home and away records, as well as digging up as much information as possible. All this as a part of my quest to find something to separate these two teams, but up to this point – I haven’t had much luck finding it.
Rochdale and Darlington are veteran clubs of the 4th tier of English Football, having spent around 25 years in the league. Now, when both have the chance to win promotion, they clash in the semi final, to see who will add another year to their record book.
The 1st leg was evenly matched, and only decided by a 90th minute winner in favour of Darlington. This gives them a slight advantage for the 2nd leg, but assures them of nothing, as Rochdale are more than capable of overturning this, especially with the improved form of Chris Dagnall. Assuming Adam Le Fondre, their top striker, will be fully fit, it is safe to say that Rochdale should be able to score at least once.
So, combining all this information brings us to the conclusion that… well, it’s still extremely hard to predict, but we have a hunch this will finish in a draw after the 90 minutes, which reflects the fact there is nothing to separate these teams. Well, nothing but a 90th minute winner, which in the end will make all the difference, and send Darlington to Wembley.