Dag & Red V Rochdale at The L.B Barking & Dagenham Stadium : Match Preview

11 January 2013 10:31
Dag & Red V Rochdale - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Williams in line for return

Dagenham are expected to welcome back Sam Williams for the visit of Rochdale.

The club's top scorer was rested in midweek as the Daggers were beaten 2-1 at Morecambe - their fourth defeat in five games.

The eight-goal striker was left out entirely by John Still after playing every minute over the Christmas period. He should return to the line-up in place of Josh Scott, who will drop back to the bench.

It is likely to be the only change, with no injury or suspension issues to worry Still.

Winger Sean Shields is looking to make his debut after signing a three-and-a-half-year deal from non-league side St Albans last week. The 21-year-old is pushing for a place among the substitutes.

Rochdale boss John Coleman finds himself short in defence.

Joe Rafferty was sent off during last weekend's 1-0 defeat to AFC Wimbledon and as yet Coleman has been unable to bring in a replacement for centre-back Ryan Edwards, who returned to Blackburn last week following the end of his loan spell at Spotland.

Matthew Pearson is favourite to come into the back four after Rhys Bennett took Edwards' spot last week, while youngster Sam Minihan could return to the first team picture.

Terry Gornell will continue is attack after the former Accrington forward made his loan move from Shrewsbury a permanent one on Thursday.

Defeat to the Dons was Rochdale's eighth in 11 league games and increased the pressure on Coleman among sections of the club's supporters.

Midfielder Reece Gray remains a long-term absentee.

Source: PA