Their performance was much better, as they got an early equalizer in 51st minute and it seemed that they are closer to the second goal, however 1:1 result remained till the end of the match as the teams shared both, but the visitors gathered a bit better overall performance. In any way, it was fourth consecutive match for Rochdale that they didn’t win, but overall satisfied with the performance as they scored for the first time this season away from home. Coach Hill was pleased, saying that the team played better in the second half, although they allowed Oxford to be dangerous on counter attacks, however he added that his team could have won and that they had a very good movement of the ball in the second half.
Striker Cummins is signed on loan from Preston and is likely to make a debut today, while regular defender Cavanagh (2/0) returns from suspension and will be included into the starting lineup.Bury is coming from a comfortable 4:1 victory at home as they won over Cheltenham last Saturday in the fifth rounds of the League Two. Although the hosts conceded a goal in fourth minute, they reacted strongly and managed to score three goals in six minutes, from tenth to sixteenth minute, getting a clear victory already after sixteen minutes of match.
The tempo was lowered in the second half, as the hosts managed to net one more, fifteen minutes before the full time whistle, while the visitors didn’t have a real chance after the third goal conceded. With this victory, poor start of Bury with two consecutive losses is past for them, as the team found a good rhythm and started being much more efficient in the offense, completing unbeaten run of three matches. Experienced manager Blackwell has said that the team has enough room for improvement, while he added that he is satisfied with the stability of their performances. Goalkeepers Lainton (4/0) and Carson (1/0) are doubtful for today’s game and in case they fail to pass a late fitness test, visitors will be forced to use 38 years old Jensen who made his debut last Tuesday in a League Cup match.
Rochdale has no victory in last five official matches.
Bury has scored at least once in last seven official matches.
No doubt that Bury is in much better form at the moment, but local derby games are always hard to predict, while the game will be very open one, with both sides chasing a goal from the start of the game, as Rochdale always takes initiative in home matches, while Bury still remains slight favorite.
Bet: Over 2.5 goals
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