The Dale maintained an unbeaten start to 2020 with a 2-0 win over bottom of the table Bolton Wanderers.

This was the fourth meeting between the two sides this season and Dale had won the previous three as well. Obviously not a happy place for messrs Hill and Flitcroft to return to anymore.

After we all though we may be over the worst of our injury problems, the teamsheet came through on the clubs Twitter and we were all bemoaning several players missing from the side. Oliver Rathbone missed out, just a day after rumours started circulating about a potential move this transfer window and that poured petrol on that rumour. Assistant manager Lee Riley later told us that he’d rolled his ankle in training yesterday. Also missing from the side was Tyler Magloire, Paul McShane and Ryan McLaughlin. Hopefully all will be back soon though McShane’s contract runs out very soon so we may well have seen the last of him.

Dale lined up with Sanchez in net, Matheson right back, Keohane left back and MJ and O’Connell in the centre of defence. Dooley was wide right and Baah wide left while Ryan and Camps were in the middle. Henderson and Wilbraham were up front.

Former Rochdale loanee Ethan Hamilton signed for Bolton in the week on loan from Manchester United and went straight into their side while there was another former Daley on the bench in the form of Chris O’Grady.

The first half saw Dale dominate possession but Bolton arguably have the better chances.

Ethan Hamilton went closest for Wanderers when his shot from distance took a deflection and hit the post as Sanchez was sent the wrong way. Hamilton was causing problems and was far and away the best player in a Bolton shirt and several defence splitting passes found Dodoo in the wide areas but time and again O’Connell was on hand to block the cross.

The deadlock was broken just before half time when the ball found its way to Luke Matheson. He bombed forward and dinked the ball past the defender and hit a fantastic half volley past Matthews into the back of the net for his second Rochdale goal. Get another zero onto his valuation.

Dale led 1-0 at half time.

Bolton started the second half much better and it was Hamilton at the forefront of it all again. His brilliant one-two ended up with his curling an effort against the crossbar. Twice he’d hit the woodwork.

Sanchez was called in to action as a deflected cross had to be kept out but looked very close to being over the line.

Minutes later a foul was given and Hamilton had a freekick within shooting range and Sanchez was forced into a brilliant save to keep him the scores level. An almost carbon copy followed and yet again Hamilton was kept out by Sanchez.

Bolton visibly began to tired and the game started to stretch quite a bit.

Henderson found himself chasing down a ball with Matthews running out of his net and the Dale top scorer got there first to try a trademark Hendo lob but his effort narrowly hit the post.

Jimmy Ryan had a blistering effort brilliantly blocked but that wouldn’t stop Ryan from attempting it again later on in the game as again he picked the ball up outside the box and hit it goalwards. The ball took a huge deflection off a Bolton defender and the points were Dale’s!

The game finished 2-0 to the home side and a vital three points they were which now see Dale 6 points outside the relegation zone thanks to the other results going for us.

Bolton manager Keith Hill went absolutely mental on BBC Radio Bolton after the game as well so evidently wasn't pleased with how things went in the game or how things are going at Bolton.

We now have the small task of Newcastle away on Tuesday night in the FA Cup.

Player Ratings:

Sanchez — 7: Another very good performance from Spanish Bob and a deserved clean sheet.
Matheson — 8: Superb from the young man again, wonderful goal and defended very well.
O’Connell — 7: Another good performance from the man who should walk player of the season.
MJ Williams — 7: Good performance from MJ.
Keohane — 7: Solid from Jimmy, defended well and kept possession well.
Ryan — 8: Superb again from Jimmy Ryan. Becoming a hell of an asset for us. My man of the match.
Camps — 7: Improved performance from Camps.
Dooley: 7: Miles better than last week from Dooley. Did well.
Baah — 6: Did ok, better than last week but needs to learn the role of a wide player.
Wilbraham — 7: Another good performance from the 40 year old because he seemed to be single out by Bolton who didn’t stop kicking him.
Henderson — 7: Played well and deserved a goal.

Subs:

Tavares — 7: Thought Tavares did well when he came on for Baah.
Andrew — 7: Did well in his brief cameo
Bradley — 6 Late sub for Hendo but don’t think he had time to touch the ball.

Photo: Action Images

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