LIAM Dickinson definitely seems to have it in for Rochdale.
The Stockport striker followed up the two goals he scored when Jim Gannon's side beat Dale in October with goals in either half last night that took his total for the season to 16 and gave County their fourth win on the spin.
Doing the double over Dale also made up in a large part for last season's humiliating 7-2 defeat by Keith Hill's side.
Dickinson scored his first in the 10th minute when he escaped his marker and raced in to head home Anthony Pilkington's corner.
That goal set a new club record with County having now scored in 25 consecutive league games.
And Shaleum Logan, who is revelling in his loan spell from Manchester City, almost scored his first goal for Stockport two minutes later when he tried to lob former County keeper James Spencer from outside the area and was only inches over the bar with his shot.
But Dale, whose impressive away record this season included only two defeats before last night, went close through Adam Rundle after he cut in from the left and shot wide.
Another chip from Logan set up a good chance for Gaz Owen, who nipped behind the visiting defence, but he could only direct his glancing header into the arms of Spencer.
Stabbed
Adam Le Fondre, who appeared for Stockport in last season's 7-2 defeat, struck his shot over after a neat turn had won him space.
And it took a block by Michael Rose to deny Rochdale sub Ben Muirhead, on for the injured Kallum Higginbotham.
Stockport keeper John Ruddy, who hadn't had a shot to save in the first-half, was called into action when Rene Howe headed Muirhead's cross straight at him.
Ruddy pulled off a great save to deny Howe again after Le Fondre had set up the big Dale striker whose stabbed attempt was pushed wide by the keeper.
Dickinson kept his cool to score his and County's second in the 58th minute. Pilkington's ball down the right set Dickinson free and the striker took the ball around Spencer as he raced from his area.
Nathan Stanton tried to block the goal but Dickinson picked his spot for his fifth goal in four games.
Tommy Rowe was unlucky not to get on the score sheet with a left-foot screamer that flew just wide of Spencer's post.
Howe fired over near the end but Dale failed to turn their late possession into real chances.
What do you think? Have your say
Stockport 2 Rochdale 0
March 12, 2008
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A great game it awful conditions. The Edgeley Park pitch helpped neither side, but they both gave their all in a full blooded local derby. County are playing so well at present and that confidence was the difference between the sides, with Liam Dickinson in particular releshing the muddy pitch as he made sure the Dale defence felt his physical presence. This fantastic county team can now push on to try to get ionto the top 3, but they will not be phased if its the play-offs. A trip to Wembley will be a fitting reward for the young team and manager.
Finally getting some points between us and the 8th place side so we're looking good for the play-offs at the moment. Now just need to pick up a couple more wins in our next 2 games before we have this nightmare few weeks!!
Wycombe vs Stockport 24-03-2008
Chester vs Stockport 29-03-2008
Stockport vs Darlington 05-04-2008
Peterborough vs Stockport 12-04-2008
Stockport vs MK Dons 19-04-2008
That run of games starts just as Ruddy & Logan are due to go back !!!
Always the risk when a team is relying on quality loan players. However I hear that there is every chance Ruddy will stay till the end of the season, and maybe beyond!!! City may allow Logan to stay on if their injury crisis eases within the next 2 weeks. But even if they both leave, we should still have enough to get a play-off position. Conrad Logan has been ok and there are other defenders at the club, so no panic. We havnt got where we are during the past 3 weeks only, its been a steady build up over most of the season.
Definitely have to agree with you Tod. Not for a minute taking anything away from the two lads but this squad is much deeper than last year and while the end of the nine game run coupled with injuries caused real deflation in the teams' confidence last season you only have to look at their response to that bit of bother with Bury at home the other week to see that this team has matured too.
As for that run of games, I was requesting weeks ago that we get as many points as we could before those same games arrived but the way they have gone about their business since Boxing Day they shouldn't, and I don't think they do for a moment, worry about any other team.
If they had a cup game on Saturday I don't think they would fear any team in the league, they'ld be eager to measure themselves against the best of them and show what they can do.