Goole’s depleted first team crashed to their heaviest league defeat for many years at Rochdale who are one of the favourites for promotion this season. Things once again, were stacked heavily against Goole and with the sporting gods also not in your favour it can be a very tough day and that is what transpired. The team competing till the end but lost due to numerous unforced errors that were capitalised on by the fast, lively Rochdale back line.
Whilst Goole were boosted by the return of Danny Holt and Billy Walker, they were dealt a major blow with the absence of James Chantry and Tom Holt that resulted in forced positional changes with Newsum going to the back row and Sean Roberts in at off-half. With heavyweights, Jason Blanchard and Louis Sugden forced to put in a full 80-minute shift due to Goole losing more injured players, it was hard work all round with the loss of Roberts after just 23 minutes being another major blow. Sam Smith stepped in to the unfamiliar off-half position and Ashton Neal now having to switch to the centre to allow replacement Ollie Johnson to come on in the back row.
With Goole kicking off it was essential to start the game in the opposition half, but a scrum restart gave Rochdale early possession as Goole worked hard to keep them at bay in the early stages. Goole had limited possession in the Rochdale half and with missed touchline kicks and unfavourable bounces of the ball they were not able to maintain any spell of pressure on the home team who then showed their three quarter line threat scoring two tries that were converted by their impressive off half 14 – 0 after 14 minutes. The remaining time in the first half was fairly evenly matched with Goole defending well but also having their own limited scoring opportunities from line outs close to the Rochdale try line but lost possession was their downfall, either losing the lineout or failing to control in their driving mauls. Couple that with not kicking at goal when they had the chance ultimately resulted in their pointless outcome. Torrential rain suddenly appeared and levelled things up for the remainder of the half with Goole satisfied to keep the half time score to 14 – 0 despite their error count mounting.
The second half saw Ollie Sugden on for Greaves as Goole once again failed to start the half with any momentum with the home side running in two more converted tries from their back line with Goole very firmly on the back foot. Further disruption for Goole with Wood now coming off injured and Greaves taking on the hooker duties did not help and despite strong carries from Sam Smith, Josh Malcolmson and in particular Will Townend throughout the match, Goole never managed to pierce the Rochdale defence. Their scoring opportunities being limited to the unproductive catch and drives from line out close to the Rochdale line. At times, a try looked inevitable with forward momentum towards the Rochdale line but they somehow managed to find fresh ways to miss the scoring opportunity and so remained pointless. Rochdale on the other hand were extremely pleased to take advantage of Goole’s generosity in handing them regular possession and ran in further tries without having to work too hard to make the final score 50 – 0.
Will Townend got the Man of the Match for Goole as their disappointing start to the season continues, but the spirit remains strong, as they competed throughout the match. It was however the error-count that scuppered any slight hope that Goole may have had if getting anything from this match. If you do not take advantage of your, albeit limited chances, and gift possession to quality opposition it is impossible to win any game. Things to work on with Scarborough the visitors to Goole next Saturday where a home win would be priceless.