Next Up: Rochdale at Home

With the boos still ringing in the ears after the Andy D’Urso show on Tuesday night, City go into Saturday unbeaten in five but still searching for their first home win since October. Matt Gill returned from the bench against Morecambe to provide further options for Paul Tisdale, although Matt Oakley has slotted back in well so will hope to start against Rochdale. Tom Nichols, who notched his fifth of the season on Tuesday, will compete with John O’Flynn for the striker nod, while Elliot Richards and Jimmy Keohane lock horns for the support role.

Rochdale, once again under the management of Keith Hill after his spell at Barnsley, have achieved pretty much what was expected of them this season and find themselves firmly in the promotion picture. Dale go into Saturday’s match unbeaten in three, having drawn with fellow promotion chasers Burton in midweek. Scott Hogan has been the star of the show so far with sixteen goals including a very impressive hat-trick at Wimbledon, while George Donnelly is always a handful up front. Ian Henderson too is one to watch, the former Colchester man has nine goals to his name so far.

Rochdale emerged comfortable winners in the return at Spotland – 1-0 up at half time through Rose, Gow equalised for City after the break before Cummins and Tutte sealed a 3-1 win. This fixture last season saw Rochdale come from behind late on for the second season running, this time City were 1-0 up until 87 minutes (Cureton) before Henderson and Grant broke City hearts. City hold a slight lead in FL head-to-heads with 23 wins to Rochdale’s 20 (18 draws).

Match Officials: http://www.exeweb.com/2014/02/19/match-officials-rochdale-at-home-2/

Exeter City v Homophobia designated match: http://www.exeweb.com/2014/02/20/exeter-city-says-no-to-homophobia/