Dale stormed to a 5-2 victory at Wrexham. Player-manager Paul Simpson firing in two penalties on the way to grabbing a hat-trick.

Now that is bloody better! Maybe the harsh words said after the last match paid dividends, or maybe we are just suited to playing away. Either way today was a very memorable one to be a Dale fan, as we stormed to a 5-2 victory in North Wales.

As expected it was the same team again for Dale, some fans were still disgruntled that Paul Connor wasn't given a start though. To say it was a good game is an understatement. The first half was awesome, both teams playing some good stuff.

Wrexham took the lead after just a few minutes, and many Dale fans thought the floodgates would soon open. A lovely passing move saw a low cross into the box which was driven home by Stephen Thomas.

However Dale did not let their heads go down and they fought their way back into the match and were soon level. Lee McEvilly thundered home a close range shot to give the travelling army some hope.

Things soon got better though for Dale. After a nasty foul on Lee Duffy on the right wing, Paul Simpson whipped the ball into the box and resident clown Andy Dibble in the Wrexham goal stood around watching as it flew straight into the bottom corner of the net.

Not soon later and Dale had extended their lead. After a goal mouth scramble Gareth Griffiths of all people popped up to smash home with his left foot.

Dale were in full control, but Wrexham still looked very dangerous going forward. They managed to pull a goal back not soon later as Andy Morrell hit a thundering strike into the net giving Neil Edwards no chance whatsoever.

Dale soon got a fourth though and extended their lead once again. Lee McEvilly was brought down for a penalty, though it did look to be just outside the area, but ah well, finally the luck goes our way with referees. Paul Simpson stepped up and smashed in his second of the game.

Just before half time the ground witnessed a moment of magic from Neil Edwards in the Dale goal. An initial curling shot had lobbed him and came back off the underside of the bar. As Wayne Evans attempted to head clear he was pushed in the back, but the referee ignored it. The ball fell to a Wrexham player who hit the ball goal-wards from 5 yards, only to see Edwards produce a world class save to keep it out. Truly magnificent, possible save of the season already.

The second half didn't really live up to the excitement of the first, and Dale fans spent most of their time abusing Wrexham keeper Andy Dibble. Oh the joy! He didn't take too kindly too it though, making gestures towards the Dale fans after the game. Surely this should be reported?

A deep cross from Matt Doughty looped over Dibble who fumbled around with it, banging against woodwork, in true clown fashion. Somehow though the Wrexham defence managed to clear up for him and denied Dale what looked like a certain goal

Dale extended their lead shortly into the second half thanks to another penalty. Lee McEvilly received the ball in the box again and was pushed straight off the ball, for a completely blatant penalty. For some reason the Wrexham fans didn't agree though. Simpson stepped up again and sealed his hat-trick.

Dale were in full control by now, and Wrexham had completely lost their way. They still looked good going forward, and Edwards again produced another save, and the home side also clipped the top of the bar. But as the game went on it was obvious they were never going to get back into it.

Once again Connor game on for the last 15, and the game also saw the debut of Scott Warner who played the last couple of minutes. Townson also coming on to replace hat-trick hero Simmo. Neither team threatened though late on, and the points were safely in the bag.

An absolute brilliant performance today. Simmo really leading by example. Wrexham are the best team we have faced so far, though they are worryingly poor at the back, and what they are doing with Dibble in net I will never know.

Looks like we may well be back on track. Confidence must be high now. Next up is bogey side Southend. Another performance like this and we will be happy once again. Keep it up boys. Up The Dale.

Photo: Action Images

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