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10 December 2013
Connah's Quay is a Welsh town, located near the English border where the River Dee empties into the Irish Sea. When the wind blows and the sleet is flying on a night when the temperature drops to freezing, a night of football there can be a very unpleasant experience.
Unless, however, you're romping to a 6-2 victory over the home side, like Rochdale did tonight. The festival of goals featured a hat trick from Joe Webb, a brace from Craig Thompson, and a goal from Charlie Baird.
"We've been scoring more goals lately," said Webb, and he was right. The Dale put in four away at Institute on 30 November, winning 4-2. A 1-1 draw at Montrose came next, and then tonight's six-goal haul. "It feels good to know we don't have to hold the other side without a goal to win."
Leanne, Chris, and Gemma Sanderson didn't brave the cold and wind to see Paul's match. "We streamed it online," Leanne admitted with a smile. "Let's see...a nice, warm fireplace, hot cocoa, and a blanket, or a freezing cold stand, cold tea, and a sleet-soaked parka? Which would you choose?"
Every one of the goals mattered, too. Rochdale were now 11th in the table, their highest position since the first weeks of play. They were tied with Forfar on 33 points, but they edged out the Scottish club on goal differential. Their +4 mark was the exact margin of tonight's result.
The Christmas lights sparkled just a little more brightly tonight, and the wintry evening didn't seem quite so cold.
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