22 on our points difference is nowhere near the required number.

Agreed, Reffy.

Rochdale's joint highest score all season (Dewsbury away matched it). They did keep The Trannies to within a point at home in March (and by many accounts (mainly 'Dalian) were robbed by the ref. They said it don't look over here.)

Nowhere near what was required. Yup, the teams above us will have taken heart from that.

No games or scores at this stage of the season are gimmes ,wins and points have to earned,why should Rochdale lie down?I said I another thread,a win was most important ,then go for the points difference after,we achieved the win and managed to get 22 points plus on our points difference, which didn't look likely at half time.

I'm sure at half time most would have been thankful for this,if we go into the final 2 games expecting cricket scores in our favour we might be shocked ,I back horses on a regular basis,my philosophy is bet to lose, win if I can ,that way I take nowt for granted.We are in this situation, because our Coach was given far to much time,it could be our downfall.

Saw your previous post, Charlie (good evening, hope you are well) and have already pasted it into the ongoing summary for this weekend's WPL.

By "our coach", presume you mean "our previous coach"? If so, with the greatest of respect to NJ for his laudable achievements in our promotion year, wholeheartedly agree.

The 2 points was the first target and reducing the points deficit was the second target. Rochdale are bottom of the League with an average points scored of 14. For a promotion chasing team to leak 32 points to them is not good enough. I

Disappointing today. We switched off after fifteen minutes when we were16 - 0 up. We seemed to think we had the points in the bag. As soon as you do that you can’t get the intensity back into your play. We need a big 80 minutes next week from everyone.

Let’s see how Fev. go on at Swinton tomorrow. I can’t see them lying down tomorrow either, and we could expect a similar outcome. That would mean a points difference deficit of around 50 points going into the last 2 matches. Assuming as we must that Toronto turn over Fev. at home then a Fev win at home to London will just about counter this loss points difference wise. This would leave us 2 home games Swinton and Sheffield to make up 50 points-possible?

Out of our hands, can only win and win big. Swinton lost to 'Dale last weekend. Can't see them pushing Fev tomorrow. Should they do, they might just push us too! Clutching at straws, CL.

It's time to light a candle.

Good evening Bongser, I'm OK ,my mention of our Coach was about Mr Jukes granted he got us promoted,then got us relagated the year after,and was involved with the disastrous start to this season,which is why we are in this position.

Derek showed him to much loyalty we lost 5 of our first 6 games,giving ourselves a mountain to climb then after a winning run of around 10 games we lost to Toronto twice,personally I think we won't make the top 4, though I hope I'm wrong ,we have 2 games left both must wins,hopefully we can pull back the points difference and achieve what Derek and his BoD ,and the fans deserve,which is a Top 4 place, then a good show in the middle 8s.

I went today and the first observation is that the Leigh half backs are so under achieving, their performances are actually bordering on appalling.

This is the first thing that needs to be sorted. By contrast Rochdale's 7, young Danny Yates, was outstanding, marshalling his troops superbly and dictating play. A classy player, MOM for me. Purtil coached him at St.Helens. I would be happy if he offered swap either of our 6 or 7 for him.

Second observation is that we do not have enough players possesing the passion and desire who are prepared to graft from minute 1 to minute 80. Only Harrison Hanson immediately springs to mind. Poor situation.

Third observation is that we are carrying a lot of dead wood, reflective in a team 6th in the Championship. There is no point sugar coating it. The director of rugby surely has some explaining to do.

Clare, Burr, Vea, Drinkwater Vs Dawson, Lovett, Laroyer, Hutchison.

All the former wanted to stay but were told they were surplus to requirements alongside McNally and Ridyard.

I am not sure of the merits of sending out Jack Blagborough on loan all season, whilst retaining Richards in the squad either. Blagborough seems to have more in his locker but that may just be me, and not everyone else's view.

Yes, it was a win, with a late late flurry that give us a 22 point victory margin. It flattered us.

A 22 point win, where the performance made it feel like a defeat.

The table does not lie.