September was a high scoring month for Dale as they netted 15 times in six games.
It also proved fruitful points wise, with Keith Hill’s side earning 12 points from an available 15, which helped propel Rochdale into the League 1 Play-Off positions. There was Johnstone Paint Trophy (JPT) success, as well as a Sky Bet Manager of the Month nomination for Keith Hill.
September started with another visit to Gresty Road, this time in the JPT. It was Dale's second trip there in less than a month following the 5-2 league win at Crewe Alex in August.
Matty Done added to his hat-trick from the previous visit, while Peter Vincenti and Calvin Andrew were also on target in the 3-0 win.
Rochdale had found their goal-scoring form and a rampant Dale inflicted a 4-0 defeat on Crawley Town in their next outing. A first half goal from Matty Done saw the side take a 1-0 lead into the interval, but after turning the screw in the second half, a double from Peter Vincenti and one from Calvin Andrew ensured Keith Hill’s side secured all three points from their long trip to West Sussex.
Watch the goals from that win on our YouTube channel HERE.
Dale were back on the road a week later, with Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane the destination.
Rochdale were comfortable throughout a goalless first half, and were inches away from taking the lead in the second half when Ian Henderson struck the bar with superb half volley. They were dealt a blow late in the game as a cruel deflection, seven minutes from time, gave the home-side all three points. Jamal Campbell-Ryce’s cross was deflected over everyone including Conrad Logan and Dale left empty handed from a match that they more than deserved something from.
Three days later and Keith Hill’s side got back to winnings ways as they welcomed Walsall to Spotland for the midweek fixture. After the emphatic victories over Crewe Alex and Crawley Town earlier in the month,
Dale added to their goal haul with a 4-0 win over the Saddlers – their first home win of the season.
Ashley Eastham netted his first ever Dale goal in the win, while Matty Done and Ian Henderson added to their individual goals tally. Andy Butler rounded off the scoring with an own goal after Stephen Dawson’s effort was deflected into the back of the net.
Watch the goals from the 4-0 win over Walsall HERE.
Coventry City were the visitors to Spotland on Saturday 20th September to face a Rochdale side full of confidence and Dale recorded their fourth victory of the month with a deserved 1-0 win over the Sky Blues – Ian Henderson’s first half penalty proving to be the only goal of the game.
The month ended with a trip to Leyton Orient’s Matchroom Stadium. It was a thrilling game which produced one of the best away memories from the 2014-15 campaign. In a dramatic encounter, team spirit, hard-work and endeavour were on full show as ten man Dale produced an excellent display to come from behind and record a 3-2 victory. There was also a spot kick save from Conrad Logan.
You can view the goals and Logan's penalty save on our YouTube channel HERE.