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That was about as complete a performance as I can remember for the past few years and one that has got everyone sitting up.
You can tell the fans are responding to it, and in turn the players.
All across the pitch there seems improvement and I feel we definitely have some more gears in us when this team gets more comfortable with each other.
I'm intrigued to see how we shape up against some of the bigger sides in the division when those games come (York not too far away) as we haven't had tons of pressure in our opening games and Gateshead especially last night didn't have any answers to our play.
The key for me is Mani D up top - we were crying for a real target man last season. If we go long you know he's at least going to be busy, and more often than not he's getting the first touch, and then when he gets it right he's bringing on an entire forward line ready to attack.
We're also probing through the centre of the park more, feeding into Gilmour and East who are confident to turn on the ball and start the attack.
All round quality performance that will definitely bring punters through the more we can hit that level. But as ever it's a long season and they'll be bumps along the way but we've set the bar now and know what's possible from this side. It's a very exciting time
It did appear that Barlow may have picked up a slight knock as well - hopefully nothing of serious concern for either player.
Last night’s performance was exceptional and, for me, the most gratifying aspect was the display from the midfield duo, who dictated proceedings with authority throughout the full 90 minutes. In contrast to the previous two league fixtures, where we were perhaps a little sluggish in the opening phases, the intensity and control in the centre of the park were evident from the outset this time, even when having the ball played into them from the back (something that gave folk kittens last season).
Tactically, we’re not straying too far from the blueprint of last season. The key difference lies in the enhanced quality of personnel within the squad, which is allowing us to execute those familiar patterns with greater precision and consistency.
The patient build-up play, including lateral and backward passing, definitely remains a feature of our style - something I don’t mind in the slightest when it serves to dictate the tempo and probe for openings. Almost every goal kick in the second half was played short, for example. With the improved calibre of players, particularly in the No.9 role, we’re now far better equipped to capitalise on those moments when they arise.
Looking ahead to Saturday, Brackley could represent our first real test against a side likely to adopt a more defensive, perhaps even “park the bus” approach - though I hope that doesn’t unfairly undersell them. It will be intriguing to see how we go about unlocking that kind of opposition.
Encouraging signs all round - here’s hoping the momentum continues.
Great point about the midfield duo, Gilmore was at his best last night. With so many quality options on the bench now every player has to hit their levels to keep their place in the team. We haven't seen that for a long time. We have the depth in squad to handle the Bank Holiday weekend games, unlike a lot of teams in this league, so that's a advantage to us and we really do have to go all out for a win in every game now. It's going to be really tough this season and if we can get a bit of a early buffer zone in terms of points from our rivals it puts the pressure on the chasing pack.
Really happy for McBride. Always suspected there's a quality player there waiting to be revealed. An intelligence in that position rather than pure pace and trickery that reminds me a bit of Vincenti.
Great to see some of the regulars on here finding their voice again. Like many of you I had very little to add last year so largely went mute (respect to those who kept holding the club to account, we needed you more than ever). Altdalecomms content, podcast episodes, Fitz's blog - all key barometers of where we're at and the engagement throughout the fanbase.
We're Daleys so we keep our feet on the ground and await the winter grind before getting carried away, but it does feel there's something happening here and it's a pleasure to experience so far.
Another couple of observations from the bloke I sit next to. We seemed to be first to the majority of balls last night where last season we weren't. He also likened our playing style to Barnet. I really hope we continue with the policy of as many balls into the box as possible too. As 442 posted and as I mentioned last night at the match, we have some serious height now at both the front and the back so corners should be much easier on the eye this season.
You missed a good one! A genuinely outstanding performance with complete control from start to finish. I’m not exaggerating when I say it could’ve been double figures if not for some outstanding saves from Shelvey. I couldn’t choose a MOM if I tried as everyone was excellent.
One thing that stands out to me as a big difference between this season and last is the substitutes. Last season there was a very real feeling that our substitutes made us worse, epitomised in that Southend capitulation where every sub was terrible. This season, so far, every substitute appearance we’ve seen has been fantastic and only added to our performance.
Brilliant from Dale ... 11 MOM in my eyes.
We need to retain this level of intensity as best we can. Any National league side would have struggled to cope with Dale last night.
Agree about the subs... wow....
Gateshead Centre half..... Thank God Mani is being taken off.... Cue Levi Amantchi arriving in his place.. another nuisance who is an absolute beast at 6"5" and looking really up for it. The Gateshead back 4 had a torrid evening.
Can only go off the highlights so won’t add to the joy already expressed. Knocks for Pritchard and Barlow would have been a downer, but the next cab off the rank in Allerakia and Hendo means I’m not phased about it this year. The power of good recruitment. My other point is there have been multi player bust ups in both home games this season. Not sure we would have seen that last year, and I’m not disappointed to see it. We won’t be pushing around. Whilst not the Lions “99 call” the willingness to show you won’t intimidate us is a big positive. Remember we once had a lad called Jason Taylor who didn’t mind getting involved in some rough stuff. Coincidence?
Can only go off the highlights so won’t add to the joy already expressed. Knocks for Pritchard and Barlow would have been a downer, but the next cab off the rank in Allerakia and Hendo means I’m not phased about it this year. The power of good recruitment. My other point is there have been multi player bust ups in both home games this season. Not sure we would have seen that last year, and I’m not disappointed to see it. We won’t be pushing around. Whilst not the Lions “99 call” the willingness to show you won’t intimidate us is a big positive. Remember we once had a lad called Jason Taylor who didn’t mind getting involved in some rough stuff. Coincidence?
Wouldn't have thought Taylor would be actively encouraging confrontation, maybe just not trying to suppress it. Plus, the recruitment of players with a bit more "bite" makes a difference
Regarding Taylor (don't know if this has been mentioned on here) but the red card he picked up on Saturday was rescinded at the end of the game
Wouldn't have thought Taylor would be actively encouraging confrontation, maybe just not trying to suppress it. Plus, the recruitment of players with a bit more "bite" makes a difference
Regarding Taylor (don't know if this has been mentioned on here) but the red card he picked up on Saturday was rescinded at the end of the game
[Post edited 21 Aug 15:21]
Great news the Taylor Red Card was recinded.
Only today to warm down as I assume we travel to Brackley on Friday.
The season only ramps up from here….. using rotation when appropriate and using the whole squad is Key. Last night I looked at the team as we passed it about and whoever was in possession just looked on it… bought in… ready to step up. Not seen this or felt that from the whole team in an absolute age…
Only today to warm down as I assume we travel to Brackley on Friday.
The season only ramps up from here….. using rotation when appropriate and using the whole squad is Key. Last night I looked at the team as we passed it about and whoever was in possession just looked on it… bought in… ready to step up. Not seen this or felt that from the whole team in an absolute age…
Bring on Brackley on Saturday… I can’t wait.
I wouldn't bother with having a cautious approach in any game this season, there's no point now. Why play cat and mouse against the better teams and go against what we know are our strengths. York, Southend, Carlisle, go at them and let them worry about us, if they beat us then good luck to them. Treat all the games the same way, constantly looking to score goals from first minute to last. That would give the players clarity of mind in every game. We showed a lot of the poor teams in the league too much respect last season i think. No need for that anymore.
It did appear that Barlow may have picked up a slight knock as well - hopefully nothing of serious concern for either player.
Last night’s performance was exceptional and, for me, the most gratifying aspect was the display from the midfield duo, who dictated proceedings with authority throughout the full 90 minutes. In contrast to the previous two league fixtures, where we were perhaps a little sluggish in the opening phases, the intensity and control in the centre of the park were evident from the outset this time, even when having the ball played into them from the back (something that gave folk kittens last season).
Tactically, we’re not straying too far from the blueprint of last season. The key difference lies in the enhanced quality of personnel within the squad, which is allowing us to execute those familiar patterns with greater precision and consistency.
The patient build-up play, including lateral and backward passing, definitely remains a feature of our style - something I don’t mind in the slightest when it serves to dictate the tempo and probe for openings. Almost every goal kick in the second half was played short, for example. With the improved calibre of players, particularly in the No.9 role, we’re now far better equipped to capitalise on those moments when they arise.
Looking ahead to Saturday, Brackley could represent our first real test against a side likely to adopt a more defensive, perhaps even “park the bus” approach - though I hope that doesn’t unfairly undersell them. It will be intriguing to see how we go about unlocking that kind of opposition.
Encouraging signs all round - here’s hoping the momentum continues.
Good observations. We haven’t changed our philosophy or how we want to control games, it’s that the increase in quality available has finally given rise to”total options” being available to players in different areas of the pitch.
The highlights are a great resource to illustrate this, with the second goal being the perfect example. EEL picks up a clearance in the Gateshead half and decides to go back to Gordon who then goes all the way back to the keeper. From there it goes short to Beckwith, back to Whatmuff and into EEL - we are now in our own penalty area, with our two midfielders on the edge of the box having drawn four Gateshead players to within 25 yards of our goal.
EEL then quickly plays it out to Gordon who is in a traditional right back position, who then it turn goes straight into Rodney who has space in front of the Gateshead defence because of how we’ve stretched the play. His burst of pace and excellent ball in to Dieseruvwe gives the no.9 the chance to make it 2-0.
There has to be some patience when we don’t get it right of course, but this progression is already getting results.
Right now this club has class and professionalism stamped all over it.
From Andy Duffs incredible presentation at the fans forum, Fitzos teasing interview with the manager, the working group painting and tidying the stadium, the Dale 1907 fan engagement and the quality media posts and then the quality performances on the pitch. The recruitment in support of the manager has been first class, repaid by the performances we have had the pleasure to witness. Locals who I know pay a passing interest in how we are doing are starting to stir. Now is a good time to ramp up on Project 5000 . We may be on the cusp of something special, for which we should be ever so grateful.
The Heed had a great chant: "Backwards and sideways everywhere we go...." Struck a chord did that. Hopefully we won't have to borrow that song for a while.
The worm of time turns not for the cuckoo of circumstance.
The Heed had a great chant: "Backwards and sideways everywhere we go...." Struck a chord did that. Hopefully we won't have to borrow that song for a while.
A bigger and better squad, a forward line full of threat, a new coaching team, a manager that you would expect can self analyse and hopefully continue to learn and improve. The ball will stick up front now and that opens up so more options for the manager. Imagine if this league had four promotion places like EFL2? I think it will be two from Dale, York, Carlisle, Southend and we have to just concentrate on our own games, the key i think will be making sure we maximise the points against the poorer teams in this league. Respecting the point wont be good enough, we have to be ruthless from the first whistle starting this weekend against Brackley who are a part time club.
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