2005 (Succeeded)

We succeeded in 2005, but in the loosest possible sense of the word. We did make the play-offs, and after beating Macclesfield over two legs, we made the final as well, but in terms of final days, it wasn’t the best.

We started the day in fifth, having struggled to maintain the form that briefly saw us threaten the top three. Instead, we went to the champions, Yeovil, needing a point. However, if we lost, Northampton and Darlington would have to overturn huge goal differences. The Cobblers would need to overturn a 12-goal deficit, Darlo 14. We were effectively there, but you never know, right?

We lost 3-0 as the Glovers were crowned champions (Efe Sodje with two), which meant Northampton had to beat Kidderminster 9-0; instead, they won 3-0. Darlington had to win 11-0 against Cheltenham, and they, too, managed three, but to no avail. Not exactly final day drama, but even so…..

2006 (Succeeded)

The 2005/06 season wasn’t a classic, but somehow, we went into the final day knowing we were in pole position. We were seventh, with 65 points and a plus-12 goal difference. Below us, Peterborough lurked, 62 points and plus 10, whilst Darlo were on the same points but plus two. Therefore, we knew a point was enough. If we failed that and lost, we’d have to hope Posh didn’t win at home to Wycombe, who was already in the top seven, as they’d match our goal difference. Darlo would have to make up ten goals as they faced Wrexham.

I’m sure, had there been such a thing as the Stacey West back then, I’d have been playing on the fact that Rochdale denied us in 1997. Interestingly, they also had a decent keeper in the sticks – a certain Matt Gilks.

It was all in our hands, and on 72 minutes of a tense encounter, Garth McAuley headed home to give us the lead. At London Road, Posh were losing 1-0, eventually going down 2-0. Darlington were also 1-0 down, and despite a late draw, they never looked like winning their game. It’s a good thing as well; Rochdale’s Rickie Lambert scored late to draw our game level, but we still went to the play-offs where we faced Grimsby.

This was the fifth time Keith had been in charge on a final day when we could gain a play-off place and the fourth time we succeeded.