The last home game of the season saw Dale pick up a win over that BIG club from the East. A great first half display, but a nervy second half, saw Dale clinging on for the win.

Well that's it for another season at Spotland. The last home game has gone. A trip to local rivals (well they think we are!) Macclesfield is all that's left for Dale, and hopefully Paul Simpson's managerial career at Spotland.

Dale announced two changes to the starting line up. Connor was recalled as part of a three man attack, and Hockenhull grabbed a start. Doughty and Patterson were the ones to miss out.

Dale started like a house on fire. Connor stormed through on goal after only a few minutes but he dragged his shot wide, when he really should have scored.

Dale were well on top and it came as no surprise when they took the lead. Lee McEvilly smashing home a stunning volley from outside of the box with his left foot.

More chances fell Dale's way, one being cleared off the line, well it looked like it from the Sandy at least, I may be wrong! The second goal wasn't far away though.

Darren Hockenhull on his return to first team action, strode through a static Hull defence before curling a low shot into the bottom corner.

Evil again went close a few moments later when he unleashed a drive which was tipped over the bar by that man SUPER Alan Fetish!

The second half saw Dale on top as it started, Evil once again nearly got on the score-sheet, but his header went just wide from a teasing cross.

Platt was taken off and replaced by Patterson, and Melaugh replaced Beech. Hull began to get on top though then, and it seemed like a goal was always on the cards for the visitors.

Gilks managed to pull off some great saves yet again, but he was powerless to stop a looping header at the far post.

The game then fizzled out, though if there was to be another goal it was always going to fall to the visitors, as Dale lacked the same attacking threat they had in the first half.

A great first a half display from Dale, probably our best of the season, though you have to say Hull were awful. Second half we were on the backfoot for most of it and have Matt Gilks to thank for keeping us in the game.

One last thing to say, and that is thank you to David Flitcroft for tonight's excellent showing, he was an absolute star. If this proves to be his last Dale game then we can let him leave knowing he gave it his all for us one last time.

As for Simpson, well Macclesfield must surely be his last outing as manager. Time has come for a change (though it should have happened 6 months ago but that's another story!) and its time to say goodbye. Just don't forget to shut the door Paul on your way out. Up The Dale!

Photo: Action Images

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