Rochdale v Luton Town
FA Cup 1st Round Replay
Wednesday 11th November – Kickoff 20:00hrs

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One of my most trusted lower league sides (Rochdale) will have a chance to progress through to the 2nd round of the FA Cup via a replay at their home ground Spotland, when they host Blue Square Premier side Luton Town on Wednesday night.

There promises to be no respite for Luton Town’s new boss Richard Money on Armistice Day as he prepares his side for the long trip up north for the 1st Round replay.

The pendulum has indeed swung now in Rochdale’s favour after they looked destined to crash out of the Cup in the first half at Kenilworth Road on Saturday afternoon, going three goals down in the first half hour.

An incredible fight back then ensued which saw Craig Dawson open their account in the 58th minute, before a dramatic late two-goal salvo from Joe Thompson saved their blushes.

Sadly for The Hatters, the momentum has now been halted and they must be wondering what might have been – sure, they will be heartened by their display but will be gutted that they conceded two late goals.

Rochdale on a winter Wednesday night will test the mettle of any League Two side let alone a Blue Square side, and in my opinion they will have too much for them this time around ;

Rochdale are on the back of demolishing league leaders Bournemouth away from home 4-0, which has seen them move ominously into second place only two points behind Bournemouth.

This emphatic win was after a surprising 1-2 defeat at home at the hands of Accrington Stanley and I fancy they got their arses kicked in no certain fashion, which resulted in an amazing display.

Previous to the Accrington result, they strung together three home wins on the trot – 2-1 v Torquay United, 4-1 v Hereford Utd & 2-1 v play-off chasing Barnet.

They have a home record of 5-0-2 13gls for, 6 against, and strikers Chris Dagnall (9 goals), Chris O`Grady (5 goals) & midfielder Joe Thompson (3 goals) are all firing.

Luton Town are experiencing a phase of transition as new boss Richard Money gets to grips with his squad, and will no doubt experiment with various formations & squad members in order to find a settled consistent side.

Whilst a cup run is a welcome distraction in normal circumstances, I suspect Richard Money & Luton Town’s priorities lay in them mounting a serious promotion push to regain full League status, and will have one eye on their next fixture which is away at Grays Athletic on Saturday, expecting to take all three points.

A 0-2 reverse at home to Rushden & Diamonds last time out in the league, coupled with throwing away a 3-0 lead at home in the Cup won’t have done them too many favours in the confidence stakes, and I can only see one winner here in the replay.

Good Luck!

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Rochdale to win