npower League Two: Rochdale v Burton Albion
Spotland, Saturday 8th September, 3pm kick-off
Tuesday night’s entertaining Johnstone’s Paint Trophy game against Fleetwood Town left many Dale fans leaving Spotland Stadium with a ‘value for money’ glow. It was a classic cup tie game played at a classic cup tie pace and thankfully after giving up a two goal advantage John Coleman’s Rochdale side won through following a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
It was a chance for some ‘fringe’ players to try and stake a claim and they didn’t disappoint. Ray Putterill has been knocking on the door with some energetic displays in recent weeks and a man of the match performance in midweek will ensure he’s in the managers’ thoughts come the weekend.
Goalkeeper Ben Smith put in an assured display to keep Josh Lillis on his toes and those that did take part in the game will give the manager food for thought ahead of this weekend’s League Two encounter against Burton Albion at Spotland.
The Brewers will be looking to take their cup form into Saturday's match following impressive wins over Sheffield United and Leicester City in the Capital One Cup. Albion were denied another cup scalp in midweek after exiting the Johnstone's Paint Trophy to Coventry City. The Sky Blues progressed to the next round with a 10-9 penalties win after the game had been tied at 0-0 after 90 minutes.
Dale boss John Coleman has no new injury worries ahead of the fixture, while Gary Rowett will be without the injured Jimmy Phillips and John McGrath. Rowett can also call-up goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson who joined the Brewers on a short-term deal on Friday morning.
Burton will arrive with two familiar faces in their ranks with former Dale defenders Nathan Stanton and Marcus Holness returning to well acquainted surroundings.
Match officals
Referee – Andy Haines
Assistant referees – Ollie Yates, Barry Cropp
Fourth Official – Iain Siddal
Last meeting
The two sides last met at Spotland in May 2010. Burton Albion were 2-1 winners on the day thanks to goals from Cleveland Taylor and Shaun Harrad. Chris O’Grady was on the scoresheet for Dale.