Whilst we were all expecting a response to Saturday, we were given the worst display of the season so far. Without any excuses, we got what we deserved. Match report finally online
Well where do you start. You probably want to read this as much as I want to write it.
Forget what I said before about it being the poorest display of the season, because without doubt it was the poorest display since Keith Hill took over as manager. We made a bad start on Saturday, but in this game we didn't even start at all. Forget the fact we had a 1-0 lead at one stage, it merely papered over the cracks of a poor display.
We made a number of changes for this game, with two players making their debut for Dale. His Holiness had his first ever professional game in the centre of defence and Sam Russell played to give Jamie Spencer a rest in defence. There were recalls for Guy Branston and Simon Ramsden, and Prendergast was given a much deserved start meaning Rundle was switched to the right wing.
So the first half......
Well nothing happened. Well not enough to report on. Rundle went on a great run, Ramsden picked up an injury and was subbed for John Doolan, and as a result of that switch, we had the entire left hand side of our side playing down the right hand side. Puts into perspective the injury problems.
Oh and we scored too. Just before half time, a ball was crossed over and Prendergast headed home. That goal, prompted much applause as the players left the pitch at half when if truth be told, we had played much better in the first half on Saturday, trailed 2-0 and were booed off.
And then something happened at half time, which broke all logic and understanding. We actually got worse. And even with a 1-0 lead, the writing was on the wall from a very early stage.
They scored in the opening moments, when an Adams cross was turned in by Glyn Hurst, and from that point on, many supporters would have took a goal from either side if only to put ourselves out of our misery.
We had about half an hour to wait, when Bury found their deserved winner. It was lively sub Dominic Rouse who got the goal and sent many Dale supporters to the exit gates. Those who opted to brave out the last few minutes changed their minds when Bury got a third goal prompting World Cup winning celebrations. After that, I joined those who left at 2-1.
Positives? It's over with, we're out of a competition that no one is ever especially bothered about and with the game fnishing so early, there was plenty of time to drown your sorrows afterwards.
Negatives? We'd be here all week.