A sending off just five minutes into the game ruined what could have been a great game between two of the fancied teams in the division.

And that pretty much was that. The game was a complete non contest following Cavanagh's sending off. It looked a nothing challenge at the time, but replays have shown to be one of those "well you can see why he gave it" sort of challenges. The foot was high, and it was the first of three occasions that Robbie Weir played dead on the floor throughout the game.

With ten men, Dale were very much in the game but just didn't have that cutting edge up front. We still probably shaded the possession stakes against a Burton side that looked a poor imitation of the impressive side they were last year.

The goal that ultimately split the sides came just before the break and it was an own goal from Olly Lancashire meaning that three games in, the opposition have still to score against us. It was unfortunate rather than a howler.

A couple of changes came at half time with Henderson taken off to ensure that we didn't go down to nine men due to a first half booking. But the second half continued in the same manner as the first. Bags of possession for us but no cutting edge for either side and it was probably in fairness for the supporters that the ref only added two minutes of additional time.

So Dale crashed to a defeat despite arguably not having a shot on target against us. But like with Tuesday, all the signs are that we are on the right track.

Photo: Action Images

geraldo added 12:05 - Aug 11 whether it was a sending off or not, Cavanagh commits too many fouls , often just outside of our box.Looking at the BBC report he had already committed two fouls prior to his red card including one only seconds earlier - the ref would have been looking closely at him after that and as capt he needs to set a better example.Hopefully during his 3 match suspension we can get Tutte back in the starting eleven and keep Cav out of the team.It is also becoming obvious to me that Donnelly is not the answer as a main striker he need far too many chances to score.

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