Sunderland fans celebrate the George Honeyman winner at Rochdale

Rochdale v Sunderland review

After a tremendous Wednesday at Accrington; we’re headed in the same direction- this time to Rochdale. Late change of plan – ordered some hospitality as I’m having to combine football with childcare. Having sported trainers in Club Wembley on Sunday – Rochdale advise “strictly no trainers!”.

Groomed and ready for Rochdale v Sunderland!!

“Groomed” and ready for a visit to Rochdale…

Steady drive over – beautiful part of the world when the sun is shining.

Arriving in Rochdale for the Sunderland match

Did Lisa ever find her baby?

Queue for fucking ages to collect tickets – Rochdale don’t post them out; which is really handy when you live 80 miles from the SOL. Still at least they’ve prepared for the situation….. have they hell – 2 girls handing out tickets, (I’ve never worked in a ticket office – but if I did I’d implement a system of putting the tickets in alphabetical order!)

Tickets collected – let the fun begin

Last week was a cup final we weren’t arsed about – this week literally is their cup final

Rochdale v Sunderland comemerative mug!!

Rochdale v Sunderland teams take to the pitch

Sunderland fan has a famous Rochdale pie

Suit jacket, Daily Telegraph, pie …. more questions than answers here

Rochdale 1 Sunderland 2

Whilst we’ve been mostly shit for the previous 4 seasons – our fans are tremendous

1st half 0-1 2nd half 2-1

Yesssssss

Hands up if you’re going up Job done. Great win. Meet rest of our group, (thanks for the photos Jeff), and head home. Slow exit from Rochdale – highlight of which was a group of Indian folk having a row and blocking the road. Didn’t get photos as didn’t want to get involved. But for anyone interested – I’m sure it’s a scene that happens most days in Rochdale, (allegedly) Jubilant drive home over the Pennines