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Kirsty learns the facts of Dale

26/ 2/2003

SCHOOLGIRL Kirsty Dykes is on the case of uncovering the past of Rochdale AFC.

The 11-year-old, from Middleton, has followed the club's fortunes for three-and-a-half years and decided it would be the ideal subject of her end-of-year project at Hollin Primary School.

As part of her research she called into the Observer offices, with mum Dawn, to chat with former Dale reporter Les Barlow and sports editor Jonathan Greaney.

Kirsty got the Dale bug from grandad Rodney and dad Anthony, both long-time supporters of the club, and she is a regular in the WMG Stand.

"My favourite match was against Fulham last season," she said. "We lost on penalties, but it was very exciting."

The whole family - including brothers Darren, aged nine, and eight-year-old Jack, plus sister Rebecca, aged seven - made the trip to Wolves last Sunday.

While she was disappointed Dale didn't reach the quarter finals, she enjoyed her night out. "At least they got that far," she said. "Gavin Melaugh was the best player because he scored."

Kirsty is confident handing in her project will coincide with further glory for her team. "I think they can reach the play-offs," she predicted.