Brighton 2 Dale 1

Rochdale returned to Sussex to be greeted by a beautiful autumnal day and a record Withdean crowd, walking down the London Road the Brighton fans bathed in the sunshine, flags waving in the gentle breeze and a renewed sense of optimism. Last season's 14 match unbeaten run has given the Seagulls fans an air of optimism that this could be there year.

After the first 15 minutes of the match they must have feared that their Rochdale jinx would strike again. Dale controlled the early exchanges with ease, Davies and Ellis combining well on a number of occasions. Dales first chance duly arrived after 2 minutes. Davies whipped in a left footed cross and Platt rose at the far post only to head straight at keeper Cartwright. Rochdale continued to press with a series of corners. Cartwright did well to deal with a swerving Ellis cross.

On 14 minutes it came as no surprise when Rochdale took the lead. Platt won the ball in midfield, fed Davies and the former Manchester United star whipped the ball into the box Tony Ford rose unmarked and headed the ball into the corner of the net. Ford continues to keep old father time at bay and today he was one of Dales better players.

On 17 minutes Albion equalized against the run of play, a deep cross from the right was met by Zamora who looped the ball over the head of Edwards and into the net. The real turning point of the match came after 20 minutes. Ellis and Brighton centre half Crosby challenged for a ball, which went through to the keeper. Both players turned and walked back up the pitch. Ellis seemed to kick out at Crosby, who retaliated by raising his hands at Ellis and pushing the elite striker. There is no doubt in my mind that Ellis was to blame. Crosby responded by raising his hands and if you raise your hands you have to go. The referee had no alternative but to dismiss both layers. Ellis was in my opinion guilty of gross professional misconduct, his actions meant that Rochdale lost the initiative they had gained. Petty kicks at opponents are something you would expect from David Beckham , rather than senior pro with over 500 league games to his credit.. The sending off of Ellis left Platt isolated and Platt worked tirelessly to win the ball in the air but to no avail as his strike partner had already departed.

After the sending off Brighton gradually came more into the game. The jinking runs of Zamora giving Rochdale no end of problems. In first half stoppage time Brighton scored what proved to be the winning goal. Zamora was put clean through one on one with Neil Edwards. The £100,000 signing slotted the ball into the corner of the net. A Brighton fan told me after the game that the second goal looked suspiciously offside. ( As did GMR's Mike Brookes - Ed ) The Rochdale players certainly thought so as they made their protests known to the referee. Almost immediately the half time whistle blew and from a promising position Dale found themselves 2-1 down

At the start of the 2nd half Rochdale manager Parkin brought on Oliver in an attempt to provide some support for Platt. The second half was a scrappy affair with neither side making any chances of note. Dale only created one chance all half when Ford fired over from an acute angle. The second half was spoilt be over zealous refereeing. The ref booked numerous players from both sides and the only surprise was that no one else had an early bath.

Half way through the second half Lancashire replaced the out of sorts Bayliss. However chances where still few and far between. Rochdale missed the creative influence of Peake and the drive of Jones. On the strength of their second half performance dale didn't deserve anything out of this match,

Last weeks draw against Darlington means Dale must beat Scunthorpe at Spotland on Saturday to get their season back on track.

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