United were back in action after an enforced two-week break due to the frosty weather. Approximately 1,000 United fans had made the journey down the M6 to see the eagerly anticipated debut of defender Raven and the return of midfield star Green, newly arrived on loan from Hull City. Craig Russell started the game with both Richie Foran and Craig Farrell to send a message to Rochdale of the visitors' attacking intent. Mark Birch was drafted in too as Roddy Collins rung the changes with both Mark Summerbell and Jon McCarthy suspended. Matthew Gilks was forced into a good save after 8 minutes from Mark Hudson after a good pass to him from Adam Rundle. Within seconds Green made his mark with a one-two off Farrell and Richie Foran could have done better than to find the outstretched hand of Gilks who conceded another corner. Green was at the heart of United's better moves and he fed a great ball through to Rundle on 23 minutes that Rundle wasted when his control slightly let him down. Dale had hardly threatened until the 28th minute when from a Paul Simpson free-kick the tall Clive Platt rose to head and Matty Glennon made a great point-blank stop. Richie Foran then had to clear the ball from off the goal-line. The home team were starting to tick and United were suddenly under a spell of pressure. Green fouled Steve Hill to concede another free kick as Rochdale gained territorial advantage. Simpson was almost on target as his curling effort caught the edge of the post. It was a clear warning to Carlisle. The home midfield set up a chance for Gavin Melaugh who ran through on Glennon but the keeper was alert and kicked clear. At half-time United would be looking back on a good opening 20 minutes in which they missed two good chances. The home team were on top as the two sides walked off for the interval. Rundle switched wings at the break to go on the left with Russell taking the right berth. Foran had a shot 3 minutes in which got a deflection to bring a corner. The Cumbrians were on top again and forced two corners in as many minutes. Foran headed over after the second kick taken by Green. Highly rated Patrick McCourt replaced Warner 12 minutes into the half. Within seconds of coming on he showed why he is well thought of with a run past two defenders and a cross that Melaugh somehow failed to make contact with. The breakthrough that United needed arrived on 63 minutes. Poor defending by Rochdale allowed Foran to set up Green who slotted home into the corner with a side-footed finish from 10 yards out. Farrell broke away immediately and was tripped by Gareth Griffiths. Amazingly nothing was given. Rundle had slipped out of the game a little so Collins threw on McGill mid-way through the half. Green showed his class with a mazy run past two men but his effort was narrowly wide. Glennon rode to the rescue with a save from Platt after the referee had inadvertently got in the way. Platt was withdrawn with 15 minutes left and Kevin Townson came on. Foran crossed towards Farrell but Hill intervened with a clearing header that conceded a corner. Farrell looked sure to extend the lead but saw Gilks hack off the line to concede yet another corner. Hudson eventually shot straight at the keeper as United failed to put the game away. Brian Wake replaced Farrell as the game entered its closing six minutes. Dale went very close with four minutes left when Hill's free kick was half cleared and Patterson's shot bobbled inches wide. The home team turned the screw and forced another corner. McEvilly's shot was blocked as United attempted to weather the storm. The impressive McCourt produced a brilliant run inside injury time but Carlisle managed to block through Glennon's legs after he passed inside. It was hair-raising stuff at times but the Cumbrians clung on. Al's verdict: A great result for the travelling army to savour. After their cup exploits the home side had little to offer other than a dangerous spell before the interval. Foran was all over the pitch and gave another 100% performance to lead the match rankings but both newcomers Green and Raven weren't far behind. Raven brought stability and experience to the defence and for once we held on to a 1-0 lead. The Rochdale youngster McCourt is a terrific prospect but thankfully we clung on towards the end when things got a bit hectic. A great win, a rise to 20th spot but still too early to relax. |
