Three points for Dale at last helped ease the relegation worries, but other than that, it was the same old story, with fans staying away, and hostilities amongst those present. The win has done little to ease the pressure on manager Barrow.

Three points for Dale at last helped ease the relegation worries, but other than that, it was the same old story, with fans staying away, and hostilities amongst those present. The win has done little to ease the pressure on manager Barrow.

3 valuable points were gained in a poor match with the terminally rank David Laws as ref. The 1334 present was the lowest home crowd this season.

Dale played towards the WMG stand in the first half, and had 2 good chances - one a Painter header well saved, the other, a Lydiate header that went wide. A scuffle occured in the main stand area where the Southend fans were ( the Willbutts was closed ). A ' Barrow out ' banner was put up in the WMG stand, but was later removed by stewards. Soon after in the 31st minute, Morris was left in acres of space to shoot in the decisive goal. Minutes later, Painter hit the post. We had 2 yellow cards in the first half - one to Lydiate for I don't know what, the second in time added on to Monington for kicking the ball away even though it was over the touchline. Laws gave Southend virtually everything.

The second half kicked off with a goalmouth scramble in which Dale tried their damnedest to get the ball in to the net, only to be foiled by the most blatant case of handball one could wish to see. No penalty - no sending off. Bayliss later had a shot that was goal bound, but Peake somehow got in the way ! A subsequent Dale corner was met by a Mono header but saved. Morris did an amazing back kick which eventually led to Barlow hitting a superb low cross to Painter whose close range effort was saved by Capleton at the second attempt. Peake laid one back for Stoker who fired high.

The early second half saw a change. Dale were doing well playing the ball on the floor, but this soon disappeared as they back tracked and allowed Southend to attack. Carden was booked in this half too.

The Dale survived to take the points. Painter ran his heart out and Carden was quite superb throughout.
The pro / anti Barrow issue surfaced throughout the game, and it looked like some nastiness was occurring behind the WMG after the game as a result. My only comment on this is that I'm on the side of getting behind the players, which was appreciated by the players who came towards the Sandy at the end - Neil Edwards in particular.
Whoever is the manager, it's Dale first during the game.
Tonight's team :Edwards, Carden, Barlow, Bayliss, Monington, Farrell, Stoker ( Bryson ), Painter, Morris, Peake, Lydiate.
Subs not used : Holt Jones.
 

Photo: Action Images

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