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Port Vale opener for Dale

ROCHDALE open their 2009/2010 League Two campaign at Port Vale on August 8.

Dale then take on Alsdershot (home), Cheltenham (home) and Rotherham (away) before the big one against Bury at home on August 29.

Dale draw Owls

ROCHDALE travel to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday in the first round of next season's Carling Cup.

The sides have only ever met once before, when Wednesday beat Dale 1-0 in the first round of the same competition in 2002.

Rochdale: Season player ratings

M.E.N. Sport's Rochdale reporter Richard Partington gives his verdict on the performance of the Rochdale players in the 2008/2009 season.

Pick Greater Manchester's player of the season

TODAY you, the fans, have the chance to select Greater Manchester's player of the season - a competition organised in association with sponsors flybe.com.

One in, one out for Rochdale

ROCHDALE have signed goalkeeper Kenny Arthur from Accrington Stanley.

The 29-year-old, who played for Partick Thistle in Scotlands before his move to Stanley in 2007, will join up with Dale on July 1.

Meanwhile, full back Simon Ramsden is set to leave Dale.

Gillingham 2 Rochdale 1 (Gillingham win 2-1 on agg)

ROCHDALE’s dream of ending their 36-year stay in the Football League's basement division crashed at Priestfield as Simeon Jackson’s second half penalty settled a fiercely contested play-off semi-final.

Having lost out in the play-off final to Stockport 12 months ago, Keith Hill’s team harboured hopes of going all the way this time but fell short, their failure to turn around a poor run of form cutting short their pursuit of promotion.

Hill eyes final spot

ROCHDALE are ready to hit Gillingham hard on the counter-attack and book a place at Wembley for the second year running.

Dale boss Keith Hill believes that the clean sheet in the first leg of the goalless play-off semi-final first leg could end up being to his side's advantage, as it will force the Kent side out of their shell in the second leg.

Rochdale 0 Gillingham 0

ROCHDALE’S play-off hopes remain on a knife edge after a night of frustration at Spotland. Gillingham withstood late pressure as the play-off semi-final first leg ended in a stalemate.

Despite a strong second half showing Rochdale will head to into Sunday’s second leg without the comfort of a home goal.

Rochdale keep their powder dry

THE defeat by Gillingham will have no baring when the teams clash again in the League Two play-off semi-finals, according to Keith Hill.

Curtis Weston's first half goal earned Gillingham the points and Dale entertain the again in the first leg at Spotland on Thursday before heading south for Sunday's reverse fixture - a scenario that suits the Rochdale boss down to the ground.

Rochdale 0 Gillingham 1

GILLINGHAM edged a low key affair at Spotland thanks to Curtis Weston’s first-half strike, though neither team will pay much heed to this result when they meet again in the League Two play-off semi-finals this week.

Keith Hill and his counterpart Mark Stimson fielded weakened teams in preparation for the double-header to come with an appearance at Wembley the prize on offer.

The visitors looked threatening on the break throughout the first half and had an effort chalked off just two minutes in when Nicky Southall was judged offside.

Preview: Dale v Gillingham

IT will be a case of fringe players to the fore as Rochdale entertain Gillingham for what could be the first of three meetings between the teams in the space of eight days.

With both clubs guaranteed a place in the League Two play-offs, Keith Hill and counterpart Mark Stimson are expected to keep their powder dry by naming weakened teams for this weekend's clash.

Depending on how results go, Dale could yet end up facing arch-rivals Bury in the play-off semi-finals. But it is more likely to be a trip to the south east.

Luton 1 Rochdale 1

ROCHDALE earned the point they needed to secure a place in the League Two play-offs with a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road.

Hill abandoned his usual 4-4-2 system in favour of a three-man midfield including skipper Gary Jones, back from a long spell on the sidelines with a groin injury.

Dale struggled to get to grips with the system and Luton took advantage during a one-sided first half, taking the lead on the half hour mark when Rory McArdle was penalised for pushing Chris Martin in the back, Tom Craddock scoring from the resultant penalty

Preview: Luton v Rochdale

THERE will be no sentiment from Rochdale as Luton play in front of their home fans for the last time in the Football League.

It is sure to be an emotional day for Mick Harford's Hatters but they can expect no favours from a Dale outfit desperate to secure a place in the play-offs.

Boss Keith Hill said: "We need one more point to ensure our place in the play-offs so the job hasn't been done yet.

Dale primed for play-offs

TIME to Believe is the mantra adopted by Rochdale under the leadership of Keith Hill and the phrase holds more poignancy than ever as the Spotland outfit stand on the brink of an historic promotion from the Football League's lowest tier.

There was a tangible sense of disappointment around the club on Saturday as defeat by Darlington all but scuppered hopes of landing a coveted place among the automatic promotion finishers.

Hill focused on Wembley return

ROCHDALE will turn their attention to cementing a place in the League Two play-offs after Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Darlington all but scuppered hopes of automatic promotion.

Though the Spotland outfit dominated possession for long periods they failed to take their chances after falling behind to Jason Kennedy's stunning strike after four minutes.

Rochdale 0 Darlington 2

Rochdale’s hopes of a top-three finish were dealt a severe blow as Darlington earned a 2-0 victory at Spotland.

The hosts looked dominant for long periods but were made to pay for wasting chances.

Preview: Rochdale v Darlington

THE early kick-off against Darlington at Spotland offers Rochdale the chance to put pressure on the sides above them in League Two.

Fifth-placed Dale sit just three points behind Exeter City in second and victory over Darlington would see Keith Hill's men leapfrog the Grecians, for a few hours at least.

Dale kick-off at 12.45pm, with the game being screened live on Sky TV. While three points would test the nerve of Brentford, Exeter, Wycombe and Bury - the teams above Dale in the table - Hill's only focus is on the game itself.

Shrewsbury 1 Rochdale 1

CHRIS Dagnall rescued a point for Rochdale to keep their hopes of a top-three finish alive.

Keith Hill’s men were not at their best and found themselves under the cosh for the first 70 minutes of the match. But Dagnall’s 73rd minute strike sparked the visitors into life and they went close to snatching three points when Lee Thorpe headed against the crossbar late on.

A Dale winner would have been harsh on Shrewsbury, who had enough chances in the opening 45 minutes alone to wrap up the result.

Hill sees the summit

NERVOUS Dale kept up the chase for an automatic promotion finish as Will Buckley's first-half effort handed them maximum points.

Without a win in their previous three games and on the back of a 4-0 defeat at Bournemouth, this was a crucial result for Keith Hill's men.

Rochdale 1 Port Vale 0

ROCHDALE returned to winning ways against Port Vale at Spotland to boost their hopes of automatic promotion.

Without a victory in their previous three games and on the back of a 4-0 drubbing at Bournemouth, it was a crucial result for Keith Hill’s men>

The hosts took the lead in the 36th minute when Chris Dagnall collected Simon Ramsden’s throw-in and raced into the area past Paul Edwards. Dagnall reached the byline before crossing for Will Buckley, three yards from goal, and the youngster applied the finishing touch.

Preview: Dale v Port Vale

BOSS Keith Hill has urged his Rochdale side to end their inconsistent form and land promotion for their long-suffering supporters.

Dale are still in with a shout of a top-three finish but recent defeats at Chesterfield and Bournemouth have undermined confidence.

Nathan Stanton is suspended for the game against Port Vale while Gary Jones and Lee Thorpe are set to miss out through injury.

Dale boss says sorry to fans

ROCHDALE boss Keith Hill issued a public apology to the club's supporters following their crushing defeat by League Two strugglers Bournemouth.

Brett Pitman's hat-trick, coupled with a Liam Feeney strike, condemned Dale to their heaviest league reverse for two-and-a-half years.

Bournemouth 4 Rochdale 0

ROCHDALE’S automatic promotion hopes nose-dived following a heavy 4-0 defeat by League Two strugglers Bournemouth today.

Keith Hill’s men slipped out of the top three as their recent wobble continued, condemning them to a third game without a victory.

Preview: Bournemouth v Dale

THERE'S a nervy finish to the season in store for Rochdale and their fellow promotion chasers, according to manager Keith Hill.

The Spotland chief takes his third-placed troops south to face Bournemouth this weekend looking to consolidate their place among the top three.

"We've six games to go and it promises to be an exciting - and at times nervy - finish to the season," he said.

Hill's double salvo

ROCHDALE held on to their place among the automatic promotion positions, but were left disappointed after the draw with Exeter.

Having twice taken the lead, Dale found themselves pegged back by veteran striker Marcus Stewart, whose brace left the Spotland faithful and manager Keith Hill feeling frustrated.

Stewart's second leveller came from the penalty spot in the 84th minute, just seconds after Adam Le Fondre appeared to have won the match for the hosts.

Rochdale 2 Exeter 2

A PENALTY for either side in the last 10 minutes saw Rochdale share the spoils with Exeter at Spotland.

Adam Le Fondre fired the hosts ahead from the spot in the 83rd minute only for Marcus Stewart to level within a minute.

The hosts shaded the first half and took a one-goal lead into the break courtesy of Lee Thorpe’s opener. He muscled his way through a crowd of players to glance home after Rory McArdle had headed Mark Jones’ corner into the mix.

Preview: Rochdale v Exeter

ROCHDALE Starlet Will Buckley is set to be at the centre of one of the biggest transfer scrambles of the summer with Tottenham and West Ham the latest to join his growing fan club.

Everton, Blackburn and Bolton are also monitoring his progress, making the versatile 20-year-old one of the most sought after players outside the Championship.

Wolves, Derby and Coventry are also among clubs outside the Premier League considering a move for the winger who can play on either side or as a striker.

Chesterfield 3 Rochdale 0

Rochdale remain second in the League Two table despite a 3-0 defeat at Saltergate last night.

Jack Lester's brace and a late goal from Gregor Robertson denied Dale the chance to put some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack as Chesterfield ran out comfortable winners.

Preview: Chesterfield v Dale

ROCHDALE can close the gap on leaders Brentford to three points tonight with victory over Chesterfield at Saltergate.

Keith Hill's team moved up to second with a 1-0 win over Wycombe on Saturday, despite missing several key players through injury.

If they are to beat the Spireites they must do so without inspirational skipper Gary Jones (thigh) and teenage star Will Buckley (tonsillitis), who was linked with a £1m move to Tottenham at the weekend. Dale's preparations were dealt a further blow on Monday when Leicester City recalled Nicky Adams from his loan spell at Spotland.

Last gasp Le Fondre

ADAM Le Fondre's 90th minute strike handed Rochdale a well-deserved win over their fellow promotion hopefuls at Adams Park.

Lee Thorpe, Scott Wiseman and Le Fondre went close in the first-half and while Dale keeper Frank Fielding made three good saves in the opening 45 minutes, the visitors were well on top.

Wycombe 0 Rochdale 1

ROCHDALE earned a well-deserved win at Adams Park where Adam Le Fondre’s 89th minute strike boosted hopes of automatic promotion.

The visitors had the better of the game throughout, dominating possession and going close early on when Lee Thorpe’s drive was saved by Marek Stich.

Scott Wiseman was inches wide with a rising volley and Adam Le Fondre glanced Tom Kennedy’s header wide from a promising position.

Preview: Wycombe v Rochdale

CIARAN Toner could return after an Achilles injury for Rochdale's visit to fellow promotion hopefuls Wycombe.

But skipper Gary Jones (groin) and talented teenager Will Buckley (tonsillitis) are rated doubtful.

With striker Chris Dagnall set to return after a three-match suspension, fellow frontman Lee McEvilly was loaned out to Barrow on Thursday.

Hill: Pitch was rubbish

MANAGAER Keith Hill praised his players' efforts - but slammed the state of the Spotland pitch after the defeat against Rotherham.

Dale are still in the third automatic promotion slot in League Two as other results went their way. Rotherham earned the win with second half strikes from Reuben Reid and Ryan Taylor. Adam Le Fondre replied late on.

Rochdale 1 Rotherham 2

SECOND-HALF strikes from Reuben Reid and Ryan Taylor handed Rotherham victory at Rochdale.

The visitors took the lead in the 50th minute, Reid holding off Nathan Stanton in the area and creating space for himself before drilling a low shot past Fielding. Taylor added Rotherham’s second in the 71st minute, cutting inside Tom Kennedy before curling a fine effort past Fielding.

Dale pulled one ack when Le Fondre headed home Nicky Adams’ cross in the 76th minute.

Preview: Rochdale v Rotherham

ROCHDALE'S bid for promotion continues apace as Keith Hill's team welcome Rotherham to Spotland.

Having bounced back from the disappointing derby defeat to Bury with victory over Bradford on Tuesday, third-placed Dale will look to consolidate their position among the automatic promotion places with a win against Mark Robins' side.

Skipper Gary Jones (groin) and fellow midfielder Ciaran Toner (Achilles) are struggling for fitness, but assistant manager David Flitcroft was delighted with the performance of former Welsh international Mark Jones in midweek, and he is expected to start alongside Clark Keltie.

Rochdale 3 Bradford 0

TWO second-half penalties from Adam Le Fondre helped Rochdale to a 3-0 victory over fellow automatic promotion hopefuls Bradford City at Spotland.

Rochdale opened positively with Mark Jones, Lee Thorpe, Rory McArdle and Le Fondre all going close in the opening 15 minutes.

Preview: Dale v Bradford

ROCHDALE boss Keith Hill is hoping a repeat of last season's barnstorming finish will secure promotion.

Fifth-placed Dale lost 2-1 to local rivals Bury at the weekend but have the chance to bounce straight back when they entertain Bradford tonight.

Hill, whose side is only behind the fourth-placed Bantams on goal difference, said: "I expected us to possibly have more points on the board than we've got, which would have given us an opportunity to drop points over the last 11 games.

Hill left frustrated

ROCHDALE boss Keith Hill admitted the game had passed his side by after the 2-1 defeat against Bury at Gigg Lane.

The hosts went ahead after Dale defender Simon Ramsden sold keeper Frank Fielding short with a backpass and Bennett's charge-down looped into the net.

Bury 2 Rochdale 1

BURY leapfrogged promotion rivals Rochdale after a defensive howler by visiting defender Simon Ramsden and a touch of magic from Shakers winger Mike Jones.

The hosts went ahead when Ramsden sold keeper Frank Fielding short with a backpass and Bury winger Elliott Bennett's charge down looped into the net.

The Shakers extended their lead when Jones finished a fine move after being sent through by Andy Bishop. Buckley scored an injury-time consolation for Dale.

Preview: Bury v Rochdale

ROCHDALE boss Keith Hill is set to name an unchanged line-up to face fellow promotion-chasers Bury in the big clash on Saturday lunchtime.

Dale will be without striker Chris Dagnall, however, after he was sent off late on against Barnet.

Barnet 2 Rochdale 1

A goal in the 90th minute by Barnet’s Yannick Bolasie was enough to consign Keith Hill’s Rochdale to a 2-1 defeat at rain and windswept Underhill.

Barnet had taken a deserved lead in the 41st minute when John O’Flynn latched on to a through ball from Neal Bishop to calmly slot the ball past Frank Fielding.

Preview: Barnet v Rochdale

ROCHDALE will be looking for their fifth consecutive away win when they take on Barnet at Underhill tonight.

Keith Hill's men are in a rich vein of form and are second in the League Two table after Saturday's win over Grimsby Town.

Captain Gary Jones is ruled out with a groin strain and his place will be taken by Clark Keltie.

Rochdale 2 Grimsby 0

ROCHDALE moved into the automatic promotion places with victory over Grimsby Town.

Two early goals were enough to beat the troubled Mariners, who had manager Mike Newell banned from the dugout for the second half.

The opening goal arrived in the fourth minute when Adam Rundle cut in the from left and sent a 20-yard shot goalward, the effort taking a heavy deflection to leave on-loan Grimsby goalkeeper Wayne Henderson wrong-footed. His first task for the club was to pick the ball out of the net.

Preview: Rochdale v Grimsby

KEITH Hill comes up against former Blackburn team-mate Mike Newall as Rochdale entertain struggling Grimsby.

"Mike's got his hands full at Grimsby but he's a good manager and will be giving everything he possibly can to beat us," Hill said.

Dale skipper Gary Jones is struggling with a groin injury sustained at Darlington on Tuesday.

Darlington 1 Rochdale 2

ADAM Rundle’s second half strike earned Rochdale a valuable win at fellow promotion hopefuls Darlington.

The home side started strongly, Pawel Abbott twice going close in the opening exchanges.

Dale took the lead in the 27th minute, Adam Le Fondre collecting Scott Wiseman’s pass, turning Steve Foster and slamming a vicious drive across goalkeeper Dean Gerken and into the top corner of the net.

Youngsters to step out of firing line

KEITH Hill is expected to change his starting line-up for tonight's crunch match at Darlington.

Dale lost at Spotland to League Two leaders Brentford on Saturday - their first home defeat since early October.

Hill blasts back

ROCHDALE manager blasted his critics after his side lost out to top-of-the-table Brentford.

Dale were not at their best against Andy Scott's side but Hill felt that some of the negativity aimed at him and his players was unnecessary considering the team stands on the brink of the automatic promotion places.

Rochdale 1 Brentford 2

ROCHDALE lost at Spotland for the first time since October as top of the table Brentford left with the points.

The visitors took the lead in the ninth minute when Sam Wood’s freekick from the right was met by on-loan Ipswich striker Jordan Rhodes, who enjoyed a spell at Rochdale earlier this season, and he stooped to head home.

Brentford netted against the run of play again minutes later when Wood beat Nicky Adams and Scott Wiseman before squaring for Charlie MacDonald who side-footed past Fielding.

Preview: Rochdale v Brentford

NATHAN Stanton is expected to return as Rochdale take on leaders Brentford at Spotland.

The central defender missed Tuesday's game against Morecambe after turning his ankle in the win over Macclesfield last weekend.

His presence was sorely missed in midweek as Dale found themselves pressed back by Sammy McIlroy's men late in the game, former Manchester United man Michael Twiss netting the equaliser in the 91st minute.