THE sort of performance which was a trademark of the previous Parkin era made it six points from two games, lifted the early season gloom, and at the same time made the league table very pleasant reading.

New recruits Tony Gallimore and Brian Cash slotted into their new surroundings seamlessly, as from the first whistle to last Parkin's side was superior to their previously unbeaten hosts.

Irish winger Cash enjoyed plenty of early possession and as early as the 12th minute provided an excellent run and cross that saw Paul Tait send a stooping header just the wrong side of an upright.

The Nottingham Forest loanee also went close when the Wycombe defence failed to clear a Jamie Clarke cross, but his effort went narrowly wide.

Gallimore, who kept pacey winger Danny Senda comfortably in check, also managed to get forward to sting the hands of Wycombe keeper Frank Talia with a powerful long-range effort.

Wycombe created little in the first half apart from long-range efforts by Ian Stonebridge which fizzed just wide. And for virtually the whole of the second half, despite substitutions and a change of formation, they were pinned back inside their own area.

Grant Holt, whose tireless efforts upset the locals and pleased the travelling fans in equal measure, was denied just after the break by Talia, but he gave his side a deserved lead on 69 minutes. A Clarke corner was headed on by Daryl Burgess and Holt reacted brilliantly to send a scissor-kick into a corner of the net.

Soon after falling behind Tony Adams' side produced its first real chance of the afternoon only for Neil Edwards to produce a stunning, and ultimately match-winning, save to deny Stonebridge.

A late flurry also saw a Gary Silk header bounce off the crossbar to ensure that an undeserved equaliser didn't arrive.

Just after the fourth official had signalled time added on Holt turned substitute Gus Uhlenbeek in the penalty area only to be dragged to the floor. After the usual protests had died down skipper Gary Jones calmly slotted home from the spot.

Better was to follow, with the game's last kick, as irrepressible substitute Leighton McGivern exchanged passes with Holt before smashing the ball into the net from 20 yards for a stunning first goal in league football.

Once again Parkin is proving that he has the ability to produce a side full of running, commitment and determination on a shoestring, and if his side continues to improve at the same rate, and he is allowed to add at least one more player to his wafer thin squad, they may surprise one or two people after two seasons of abject under-achievement.

Teams

WYCOMBE (4-4-2): Talia, Silk, Nethercott, Williamson, Johnson, Senda, Ryan (Uhlenbeck 62), Burnell (Birchall 46), Easten (Martin 78), Tyson, Stonebridge. Subs not used: Williams, Dixon

ROCHDALE (4-4-2): Edwards, Evans, Heald, Burgess, Gallimore, Cash, Jones, Clarke, Probets (McCourt 90), Holt, Tait (McGivern 83). Subs not used: Gilks, Gibbins, Goodall.

Man of match: Grant Holt - an immense display.

Referee: K Stroud.

Attendance: 4,440.

writes Mike Brookes

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