Dale 0-0 Wrexham

Dale went into the game with the chance to move into the top ten if they could manage a win against bottom of the table Wrexham. The game started brightly enough and Dale looked as though they meant business, as had been the talk throughout the week Murray was dropped in favour of ALF and the rest of the team remained the same.

Dale were dominant for long periods in the first half but, as has so often been the case this season, were unable to create any real chances. Within the first ten minutes or so we had had several corners and Higgy had blazed over from a tight angle. If I`m being honest I`d struggle to describe anything else of note as Dale`s bright start faded somewhat. The game became increasingly frustrating as Dale offered little in the final third, time and again we would work our way into crossing positions and fail to deliver the telling ball. For all Higgy`s hard work and endeavour he was losing the ball at key moments as he tried to take on one to many players. ALF had a half a chance but screwed his shot wide and the half ended with Dale still needing some kind of spark.

Whilst Wrexham offered little throughout the game the second half wasn`t as one-way as the first as Dale fought hard for the opener. Not long had gone in the second half before Hilly made two changes; Murray replaced Rundle and Doolan replaced Perks. The game started to open up a little and ALF had the best effort of the game when he turned in space and fired a great curling effort from outside of the area, sadly for Dale the ball rebounded off the inside of the post and a midges dick away from winning us the game. There was a scare at the other end as Russell nearly pulled off a Carson when he struggled to keep hold of a rasping drive.

With 20 minutes left Prendergast replaced Evil and produced a few decent crosses into the box. Higgy had a decent header saved and ALF saw the rebound blocked before Murray also had a header but this time it was saved by the Keeper.

We lacked something in the final third today and it cost us 2 points, we should be beating teams like Wrexham at home if we aim to achieve anything this season. Our insistence on trying to pass our way to victory isn`t working and whilst Hilly should be applauded for wanting to play good football maybe he should also be reminded that we are in a results industry. Good teams can mix it up and that is something we seem to be lacking this season.