Rochdale - Scout Report

Rochdale find themselves in similar form to us having won twice, lost three times and drawn once. The Dale's have also conceded the same amount of goals as they have scored in their last six games at 10 a piece. Their last league game saw an away win 4-1 over Colchester.

Tuesday the 16^th of December Rochdale beat Aldershot Town at the second time of asking, the final score after the original 0-0 ended up 4-1 in the Dale's favour.

Run down of their last six games.

Saturday 22^nd November – Rochdale 1 Doncaster Rovers 3

Tuesday 25^th November – MK Dons 2 Rochdale 2

Saturday 29^th November – Rochdale 0 Oldham Athletic 3

Sunday 7^th December – Aldershot Town 0 Rochdale 0 (F.A Cup)

Saturday 13^th December – Colchester 1 Rochdale 4

Tuesday 16^th December – Rochdale 4 Aldershot Town 1 (F.A Cup)

The Players – Fact Sheet

Highest Goal Scorers; Matt Done 13, Ian Henderson 10, Peter Vincenti 9 and Jack O'Connell 3.

Persistent Foulers; Ian Henderson 1 Red Card, Matt Done 1 Red Card, Matthew Lund 5 Yellow Cards, Joe Rafferty 5 Yellow Cards and Stephen Dawson 4 Yellow Cards.

The Key Players.

Naturally the danger will come from the following three players Matt Done, Ian Henderson and Peter Vincenti at least when on goal sight but also Ashley Eastham, Jack O'Connell and Rhys Bennett are paramount to the Dale's offense.

Jonathan Obika is a player who creates a lot, whilst also proving he can finish chances himself. The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster forged a name within League One and he will be one to watch.

Matt Done is their general in midfield, he can pull play towards him and dictate, whilst also showing an eye for goal. Ian Henderson is a player who drifts in and out of games but is a reliable player at this level.

Peter Vincenti is another creative midfield who likes to create chances.

Ashley Eastham, Jack O'Connell and Rhys Bennett are all players who on their day can cause problems from the back. Rhys Bennett being one which Notts will have to be aware of throughout the game, as he likes to get forward.

Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses.

Rochdale are your typical newcomer to League One, they play as a team but rather take chances on getting the ball into the box where they have lively players who can seize on a moment. For them it is all about creating, there is no general focus to their play.

They like to try to retain position, moving it around, whilst creating space and support.

They are somewhat scrappy in their approach both going forward and in defending, organized sides can quickly find this to their advantage whereas some sides find this generally confusing.

Their main strengths come from their lively players who can attach themselves to chances which looked destined for nothing. Whilst hard work and effort go along way, with their more gifted players finding much more time on the ball.

Weaknesses is typically being disorganized, whilst there is a certain panic to the way the Dale's play when under pressure. If sides keep their key front men quiet, then it is all about hitting them and keeping balls consistently in their penalty box. Chances arise from this with Rochdale's defence being a key cause to their problems at the back. Josh Lillis is also a vulnerability if opposition sides can create panic within the Dale's defence.