Rochdale's season came to a sad end with what would normally be a very good result at Plymouth. The 0-0 draw condemned Dale to another season in Division Three, as results elsewhere went against us, not suprisingly

Dale knew today was going to be biggest game of the season, and in fact the biggest and most important game for many years. The fans didn't disappoint, with 12 coaches traveling down to Plymouth, and a whole host of cars, meaning well over a thousand Dale fans were in attendance at Home Park.

The situation was simple. We had to do as good as or better than Blackpool, who on paper had a much easier task, a trip to Darlington. And this was apparent for Dale fans after just a few minutes of the game when news filtered through that Blackpool had taken the lead.

It was simple then Dale had to win. The first half saw Dale have the better of the chances but they couldn't break the deadlock. Paul Connor rounded the keeper and fired in a shot but it was headed away on the line by a covering defender. Plymouth offered very little in attack, and didn't look like the same team that had played so well at Spotland on Tuesday night.

Half time came and went. And much like the first half news filtered through very quickly about events at Feethams. Darlo had equalised! So would Dale need to win? This question was answered almost immediately as we soon found out Blackpool had stormed into a 3-1 lead. Dale needed to score to keep the play-off dream alive.

From then on in, the game opened up and it was all very end to end. Neil Edwards once again kept Dale in the game when he produced a fantastic save from point blank range. Plymouth then had another chance. Their lanky striker rounded the on-rushing Edwards but the ball was cleared on the line by a Dale defender.

The rest of the half belonged to Dale though, as they came out all guns blazing searching for that all important goal. Chances went begging with Ware, Connor, Jones, and Lancashire all spurning good opportunities. But a goal just wouldn't come. The game finished and Dale fans had been through an emotional trip this afternoon. But all credit to them they stayed till the end, and were as loud as they could be. They also didn't let the actions of the pathetic Plymouth fans to get the better of them. It really is sad when a team has to wish bad luck on another just because their own team has nothing to play for.

I do believe deep down that the team is just not good enough. All credit to the players today though they gave it their all, but it the end it wasn't enough. Maybe it is better that we have not got in the play-offs this season. With the right players brought in this summer, we could launch an all-out assault on the division next season. Maybe I am being pessimistic, maybe I'm right, whatever. Lets all get behind the team next season and make sure we get into Division 2.

Photo: Action Images

Rochdale Polls