Less than six year years ago Portsmouth won the FA Cup at Wembley while nine days later Rochdale faced heartbreak under the arch losing to local rivals Stockport County 3-2 in the League Two play-off final.
But tonight when Pompey, in 22nd and three points above relegation, visit Spotland it will be Keith Hill’s side who start the match as favourites.
Table-topping Dale have never beaten Portsmouth and lost 3-0 to the south coast club earlier in the season, however Hill insists his team having nothing to prove ahead of tonight’s game.
“I don’t owe anyone anything,” Hill told The Dale Player. “I don’t even have a credit card so that’s not an issue.”
Third-from-bottom Portsmouth could drop into the relegation zone with a defeat tonight, but Hill is backing them to avoid the drop.
“I don’t think personally that their football league status is in any jeopardy but its testing times for Portsmouth and Portsmouth supporters, Richie Barker and the players themselves.
“They’ve got a lot of very good, talented players (but) the players have to stand up and be counted but I’m sure they’ll get out of the situation.”
Dale are looking to make it four consecutive victories and extend their lead at the summit of League Two but Hill reiterated that he and his players are refusing to look at the table.
“I don’t see any point (in looking in the table). We don’t play the table, we play the opposition, it’ll take care of itself.”
Dale will be hoping to improve on their performance at Fratton Park back in October when individual mistakes cost them dearly in a 3-0 defeat.
Image courtesy of Official Rochdale AFC via YouTube, with thanks.
