Rochdale itching for derby chance

RIGHT SAID CED . . . on-loan Cedric Evina puts Athletic ahead at Spotland in November.

ROCHDALE boss Keith Hill is relishing the prospect of a New Year derby showdown with Athletic.

The last time the two sides met, at Spotland on November 27, the hosts came from a goal down to force a 1-1 draw.

Matty Done was the man on target after Cedric Evina had put Athletic in front, and it was the home side who looked the more likely winners as the game wore on.

Almost five weeks later, Athletic have yet to play another game because of the Arctic weather.

Rochdale, meanwhile, managed one fixture in the intervening period – a 2-1 reverse at Peterborough on December 10.

Now the prospect of two matches in three days has whetted the appetite of Hill and his squad, who are due to visit Boundary Park on Monday following tomorrow’s home game against Tranmere.

Postponed fixtures against Charlton, Notts County and Bristol Rovers have left the Dale players chomping at the bit and Hill is desperate to unleash them against Tranmere Rovers and Monday’s derby.

“It’s been difficult because the players have been disappointed with games being called off,” said Hill, echoing the sentiments of the Athletic management.

“It’s a psychological letdown when you have prepared for a game, but there is nothing we could have done about it and we have to keep readying the players for the next challenge.