Rochdale's famous Spurs tie highlights why Portsmouth must be wary in FA Cup

Joe Gallen has warned not to expect an easy FA Cup progression after Pompey were handed a trip to Rochdale in the second round.
Rochdale's Steve Davies, left, celebrates scoring to earn a 2-2 draw against Spurs in the FA Cup. Picture: PARochdale's Steve Davies, left, celebrates scoring to earn a 2-2 draw against Spurs in the FA Cup. Picture: PA
Rochdale's Steve Davies, left, celebrates scoring to earn a 2-2 draw against Spurs in the FA Cup. Picture: PA

Many people will have the Blues as strong favourites to win the tie.

Kenny Jackett's team are flying high at the top of League One while Rochdale are currently 16th.

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Pompey won there comfortably 3-1 in September as well with a very accomplished away performance.

But Rochdale managed to earn a replay with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Spurs in the fifth round of the competition last season.

That meant they went to Wembley for a replay where they were heavily beaten 6-1 but it was a big occasion for the club.

It shows the danger of the tie for Pompey, especially with the carrot for both teams of a potential big third round draw now only one win away.

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Blues assistant boss Gallen said: '˜Rochdale ended up playing Spurs at Wembley.

'˜They were on the television in the match against Spurs at home and they got the replay.

'˜It will be a tough game ahead for us. We'll both be looking to try to win on the day.

'˜At this stage it's almost irrelevant who you play.

'˜Every team wants to get through to the third round and get that big tie.'

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Rochdale will be looking to use the Cup to get some momentum into their season.

But for Pompey it is a case of keeping the form going and the feel-good factor as they chase the League One title and a good run in the Cup.