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With
George Ndah returning from Injury, he was placed back in the
starting line-up for the first time since Wolves thumped Leicester
City for Four at Molineux.
Wolves
made their intentions clear, after being upset by "little
teams" time and time again it was important that the banana
skin wasn`t going to trip Wolves up, and with the first half
performance, Wolves were looking very comfortable.
Rochdale
looked overawed in the first half as Wolves literally camped in the
Rochdale half. Matthew Murray in the Wolves goal was merely a
spectator as Rochdale struck a shot just once, and that shot was
well over his bar.
Wolves
however were unable to breach the Rochdale back Four until the 32nd
minute. George Ndah was up-ended for the umpteenth time by a
Rochdale player forcing a corner which Kennedy whipped into the 6yrd
box. Ince completely missed his shot but George Ndah continued his
run of scoring in every round by knocking the ball - with the help
of a deflection - past the helpless Gilks in the Rochdale goal.
Wolves
again went close before the break with Butler and Ince coming very
close, but Rochdale held off the constant Wolves threat, leaving
them a chance in the second half.
Half
Time – Wolves 1- 0 Rochdale
Rochdale
would not have been happy with the first half performance, and this
was confirmed with the attitude and commitment of Simpsons men in
the second half. Kennedy came close to making it 2-0 but it was
Rochdale who were finding the ball, and for the first time in the
match, making use of the chances they had.
Paul
Simpson struck a speculative shot from around 25yrds and it was
deflected into the net by the lucky Melaugh after wrong-footing
Murray.
The
Division Three side were now playing well, enjoying the moment in
hope they could take Wolves to a replay, but hopes were quashed in
the 80th Minute..
Colin
Cameron only sore his shot parried by `Dale Keeper grant, and
despite shouts for an Offside, Kenny Miller struck his 6th goal in 5
games giving Wolves a 2-1 lead.
Jones
sent Adam Proudlock on for the tired Shaun Newton, and with his
first touch the game was put beyond all doubt. Again `Dale Keeper
Gilks could only parry Camerons effort and Adam Proudlock knocked
the ball over the line from about 6 inches.
Rochdales
Second half performance was a credit to lower-league football, they
gave Wolves a scare, but Rochdale could not perform the cup-shock
the BBC so badly wanted.
Full
Time - Wolves 3-1 Rochdale
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