Despite controlling the game for long periods, Dale failed to convert possession into chances and could only record a goalless draw in a hugely disappointing match with Darlington. There was little of any note in the game, making the following match report all the harder to write.

Dale could not break the deadlock as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Darlington. This was a much better display than Dale's last home match against Torquay, and they count themselves unlucky not to have won by some margin.

The first half was quite unspectacular with no real chances produced by either side. Dale looked very comfortable against a disappointing Darlington side.

The second half saw Dale batter their opponents for most of the match. Nearly all of the team played well in a display which promises great things for the rest of the season. Mark Monington who was drafted in to replace the injured Alan Johnson had a good debut and came closest to scoring for Dale with two quality headers to crosses.

Dale played the attacking football that was promised with Stuart and Diaz proving to be excellent throughout the match. For me Diaz was man of the match. The ball control that he has in first class, and he can only improve as the rest of the team get used to his style of play. Diaz's introduction has brought the shackles off Mark Stuart. Whilst teams have sometimes singled Stuart out to be the danger man and put and extra defender on that side, we now, for the first time in ages, have two high quality wingers, who have the advantage of being able to switch when necessary.

Paul Sparrow was dropped after a series of poor displays. Dave Bayliss was installed as right back in his absence and had a fine display. You must feel sorry for Dave. He gets the job of filling in where needed. He has proved to be excellent in the middle in recent weeks, but his versatility is halting his progress. Dean Stokes had a fine game. He has proven to be an excellent signing by Graham Barrow. His tackling is first rate. He sometimes puts the ball out of play when trying to play it up the line, but otherwise he is a fine player. Ian Bryson again played in a more central role and had one of his best games for the club. Robbie Painter was perhaps the one disappointment. He would never going to win the areial balls that were bombarded over into the Darlo box. It was felt amongst some supporters that young David Gray would fare better, but Gb stuck with his starting eleven throughout. Neil Edwards didn't have much to do other than a couple of simple saves from the facially challenged Marco Gabbiadini.

Dale : Edwards, Bayliss, Stokes, Farrell, Monington, Hill, Diaz, Painter, Bailey, Bryson, Stuart. Subs not used Gray, Jones, Sparrow

Photo: Action Images

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