This is was a dreadful game apart from the result: Daggers 1 Rochdale 0

First Half

Both defences believed that crossing the half way line was reckless folly. As a result. the default ‘action’ was back-passes to the goalkeeper supplemented by 10 metre passes across the back 4. When the goalkeepers got bored they passed the ball to each other avoiding the 20 out-field players.

Second Half

Phipps had a shot on goal in the 51^st minute, which was saved. Rochdale’s Rodney was stung into action with penetrating runs down the left. He was a lonely attacking player. There were no strikes on goal by Rochdale in the entire match, which disappointed their 200+ fans. A comically bad Rochdale free kick created the one piece of magic in the game.

Daggers super-star Dion Pereira became a marauder down the left and crossed superbly for Junior Morias to power home.

Breakaway goals are infrequent at Daggers and when they happen they are treasured. The breakaway took 30 seconds and blotted out the other 89 minutes.

Roll on the 3^rd round of the FA Cup. We play much better against competent opposition.