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Reply | Refwatch - Eastleigh v Rochdale
at 17:00 15 Mar 2026
Indeed, it is interesting to see it all play out, in individual games and reflecting on how it’s been an obvious long term plan to get to this stage. A culmination of over two years building the plan and structure, sticking to beliefs and getting maximum buy in from everyone.
That was what was most impressive yesterday. Despite York winning easily in a game we might have seen them experiencing some problems, we went about business in the same calm, composed manner we have all season long.
Should we drop points on Tuesday or after that, we can expect a response. That in itself is something unique to this current era. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Eastleigh v Rochdale
at 16:20 15 Mar 2026
We’ve finished most games in the same manner across the season, the only time it’s gone badly wrong was at Halifax. Whereas similar tactical set-ups have served us well on our travels since August, Forest Green probably being the best example when we defended deep against an early season rival and still should have extended our lead on the break.
We do need to maintain sharp minds though, with yesterday being a positive reminder. You can bet how annoyed they all were to not keep a clean sheet. It isn’t so much back foot as being prepared to absorb pressure and fully confident when the structure is in place that they can do so.
Would not expect any change in approach now, it would probably lead to uncertainty. [Post edited 15 Mar 16:26]
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Reply | Refwatch - Eastleigh v Rochdale
at 15:52 15 Mar 2026
Not wanting to anticipate what might happen or say it will have any impact on Tuesday night, it’s clear Southend are miles away from where they’d hoped to be this season. Maher doesn’t appear to be too popular amongst supporters and they haven’t progressed at all from last season so far.
Don’t think there’s anyone who would have thought they’d have no chance of finishing above us when a quarter of their season still to play. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Eastleigh v Rochdale
at 19:58 14 Mar 2026
Defenders make mistakes. It happens and individuals at this level will always switch off from time to time. There was a need for forgiveness after Halifax rather than any overreaction. The four wins since justify that stance.
Also, on this occasion it may have had more to do with Bilongo having sustained an injury as he then went up front and Burger replaced him at LWB. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Eastleigh v Rochdale
at 19:49 14 Mar 2026
Tremendous performance. In the back of possible pressure after York’s win, the game was won in the first 20 minutes as Dale remained calm and committed to their age-old plan. Pettit and East were excellent, Rodney looking as sharp as he has in a while and Dieseruwve a constant threat.
Don’t mind that last ten minutes when we conceded, it’ll ensure we retain focus.
This team has supreme confidence. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Eastleigh v Rochdale
at 14:13 14 Mar 2026
They’ve completely collapsed recently.
Stones back for York at Aldershot. Not sure why we’d want Dale to move away from what has gained us success so far, trust them to decide what’s right at any stage. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Rochdale v Boston United
at 14:01 8 Mar 2026
That tactic with East drifting out to the right is yet another example of just how attacking this team is set up.
Any assumptions around being focused on defence or not looking to go forward with intent can be quickly dismissed when looking at our chosen formation.
Three defenders, two of whom have licence to join attacks.
Two wing backs who are stationed high and wide - Moss is often one of our furthest forward players.
One midfielder left to patrol the centre of the pitch whilst East is conspicuously part of the constant threat and possession on the right hand side.
That we wait patiently to exploit whatever gaps might appear with possession at the back shouldn’t detract from how adventurous the players are positionally. |
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Reply | Fan numbers
at 12:29 8 Mar 2026
Moving them would cause too many issues as there are a lot of existing season ticket holders in the middle of the Pearl St. There was a lot of space in U Block which encouraged them to move in the first place, and I doubt they’d want to move now anyway!
Noticed York fans bemoaning the atmosphere at their game yesterday. All of a sudden we have a ground that has a real bit of noise attached. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Rochdale v Boston United
at 11:27 8 Mar 2026
Watching the highlights, it was noticeable how many dangerous balls Allarakhia got into the box in the first half especially. With him and Moss comfortable on either flank, it gives us the option to switch them mid-game too. The winner was so well constructed too. A perfect example of everyone knowing the plan.
Thought the crowd remained patient and very supportive throughout yesterday as well. There’s a definite understanding around trusting the players and management to do what they feel is best. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Rochdale v Boston United
at 17:21 7 Mar 2026
Well deserved three points. Didn’t think taking Barlow off was the right move as he was involved in everything, but what do I know as it was the quality ball by Henderson that created the winner.
So many chances before then and bar the one moment we seemed to switch off for the one on one, a decent Boston team never really threatened. Calm, composed, committed to the plan.
Most ever wins in a season in the club’s history and most ever points (we’d have gained 87 points in 1923/24 if it had been 3 points for a win)
With 10 games still to play. [Post edited 7 Mar 17:24]
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Reply | EEL New Deal
at 19:34 6 Mar 2026
Getting our captain and most experienced player tied down for another year is as crucial as any other signing. Not least because of his leadership qualities and commitment to how we develop as a team and club.
He hasn’t always been perfect, who in lower league football is, but he has actually improved as a player in his time at the club. The unfair criticism (and at times quite ridiculous disrespect), which ironically reached a crescendo against tomorrow’s opponents a year ago, seems a distant memory. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Rochdale v Brackley Town
at 23:33 3 Mar 2026
Gilmour out for five weeks. Hope East only had cramp when he went down late on.
Pettit now has a chance to finally fulfil the potential we all saw in preseason. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Rochdale v Brackley Town
at 22:54 3 Mar 2026
Whatever happens, when it comes to a team winning football matches, this is a season that comes around once in a lifetime. Maybe ever.
Need three more points to have our best ever record for a season (we’d have gained 87 points in 1923/24 if it had been 3 points for a win)
We have now equalled our all time record for wins in a season and the most points in a campaign since WW2.
With 11 games still to play. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Rochdale v Brackley Town
at 22:06 3 Mar 2026
Good win. Brackley were no mugs. Subs made a real impact, Pettit took his chance and would expect him to start on Saturday. Dieseruvwe is well above this level at times.
The much needed York blip could be upon us.
Wonder why Pearce went off on 89 minutes… |
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Reply | Refwatch - Aldershot Town v Rochdale
at 16:31 1 Mar 2026
Allowing shots from the edge of the box has cost us goals recently, individuals not doing their jobs. That led to Halifax’s first. Hosannah not being alert led to the second.
We haven’t ever really changed how we play, mainly because we are that well coached and it’s getting results at a level nobody would have expected. Individual players within that structure do impact it though - eg. Moss or TAR missing. However it is worth noting Moss offers a different option out wide in the air when we go long. A bit like when we used that tactic with Vincenti. |
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Reply | Refwatch - Aldershot Town v Rochdale
at 15:48 1 Mar 2026
It was a very similar performance to those we’ve seen away before this season - as mentioned recently we played much the same at Forest Green as well as the other night at Halifax. Even right back to the opening day at Boreham Wood we witnessed a side totally at ease setting up in a solid formation and looking to pick teams off when we regain the ball. The problem at the Shay was we didn’t do the basics well enough when 2-0 up.
It’s been extremely effective away from home though. I share the concerns about it limiting us out wide sometimes despite the excellent performances of Moss in recent weeks. Also agree that the midfield wasn’t at a similar level as we’ve come to expect, especially with ball retention, somethings else that’s been noticeable the last few games. |
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Reply | The Run in
at 19:44 28 Feb 2026
Removing the Dale element, felt so sorry for Morecambe and especially Hogan who must have felt helpless knowing that goal was scored at the back post where he’d defended so well all game. |
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