On April 14, 2012, Rochdale faced Exeter City in a League One match at Spotland Stadium. The match ended in a 3-2 victory for Rochdale, with both teams fighting to avoid relegation in what was a thrilling encounter.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Rochdale: 3 (Michael Symes 8′, Jason Kennedy 58′, Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro 83′)
- Exeter City: 2 (Daniel Nardiello 31′, Richard Logan 75′)
- Possession:
- The match saw fairly balanced possession, with Rochdale holding 51% and Exeter City 49%. Both teams were eager to control the game and push forward, given their precarious positions in the league table.
- Shots:
- Rochdale registered 13 shots, with 7 on target, reflecting their attacking intent and efficiency in front of goal. Exeter City had 10 shots, with 4 on target, showing their ability to stay in the game and create chances despite being behind for most of the match.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Rochdale had a passing accuracy of 73%, completing 280 passes out of 384 attempts. Exeter City had a slightly lower passing accuracy at 70%, completing 260 passes out of 372 attempts. Both teams struggled at times to maintain possession under pressure, leading to a back-and-forth match.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Rochdale made 17 tackles compared to Exeter City’s 14, indicating their efforts to disrupt Exeter’s play and protect their lead, especially late in the match. Both defenses were tested frequently, with the game becoming increasingly open as it progressed.
- Set Pieces:
- Rochdale’s first goal came early in the match, with Michael Symes scoring from close range after a well-placed cross. Jason Kennedy added a second goal from open play with a well-taken shot inside the box, while Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro scored the decisive third goal after a counter-attack. Exeter City’s goals came from Daniel Nardiello, who scored from a tight angle, and Richard Logan, who headed in from a corner.
- Individual Performances:
- Michael Symes was instrumental for Rochdale, opening the scoring and providing a focal point for their attacks. Jason Kennedy controlled the midfield and added a crucial second goal. Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro’s late goal secured the win, capping off a strong individual performance. For Exeter City, Daniel Nardiello was a constant threat and scored their first goal, while Richard Logan added hope with his goal from a set piece.
- Tactical Overview:
- Rochdale employed a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on quick transitions and making the most of their opportunities in front of goal. Exeter City also lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, aiming to stay compact defensively and hit Rochdale on the break. The match was tactically open, with both teams looking to attack, given the importance of the points at stake.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw four yellow cards, two for each team. Rochdale’s Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro and Jason Kennedy were booked, while Exeter City’s Daniel Nardiello and Troy Archibald-Henville also received yellow cards. The fouls were tactical, aimed at breaking up play and stopping dangerous attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Rochdale won 5 corners compared to Exeter City’s 4, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the game. Both teams were caught offside twice, as they tried to stretch the opposition’s defense and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
Rochdale’s 3-2 victory over Exeter City at Spotland Stadium was a crucial win in a match that was vital for both teams’ hopes of avoiding relegation. The game was a thrilling encounter, with Rochdale taking an early lead through Michael Symes and doubling it in the second half through Jason Kennedy. Exeter City fought back with goals from Daniel Nardiello and Richard Logan, but Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro’s late strike ensured Rochdale secured all three points.
The win gave Rochdale a glimmer of hope in their fight against relegation, although both teams were still in danger as the season approached its conclusion. The match was characterized by its intensity, with both sides knowing that anything less than a win would seriously harm their chances of staying up.
For Rochdale, the victory provided a crucial boost, while Exeter City’s defeat left them facing an uphill battle to avoid the drop. The match is remembered for its end-to-end action and the high stakes involved, as both teams battled to secure their League One status.
