Dale picked up a win at home to Boston. A Lee McEvilly penalty in the second half was enough to give Dale all three points after a terrible first half display
What a terrible decision!!! No not the award of a penalty in the second half, but I'm sure that's what everyone in Spotland was thinking to themselves at half time, after deciding to come and watch Dale! Another poor first half, with Dale on the back-foot for most of it.
The second half was a marked improvement though and Dale fully deserved the points after hitting the woodwork twice and having two penalty claims turned down, and one given.
The same side started once again, and Dale were absolutely awful in the first half, not much change there then. I can't even seem to remember us having any sort of chance on goal. Boston were not much better though and only managed a couple of efforts that went wide. Once again Dale booed off the field.
The half time break seemed to work wonders as Dale came out all guns blazing. Gareth Griffiths towered above the defence to head against the bar early on.
Paul Simpson brought himself on and Paul Connor, for Evo and Melaugh, and the game suddenly swung big time into Dale's favour. Simpson was excellent (ON the pitch!) and Connor was everywhere. Connor must start the next game. He is awesome, and his partnership with Platt, is the best we have had in my opinion.
McCourt earned Dale a free kick on the edge of the box. Simpson stepped up and banged against the up right, giving 'baldy' in the Boston net no chance whatsoever.
Lee McEvilly then had a claim for a penalty turned down as he spun his marker and was caught late, but it may have been a little harsh to give this one.
Paul Connor then stormed into the box and was caught late from behind. The referee was miles behind play and didn't see it, but thankfully the linesman had his eyes open and gave the penalty. McEvilly stepped up and put Dale in front.
A few moments later and Dale had another penalty appeal, this one being turned down. The ball fell to McEvilly in the box and as he attempted to shoot, a defender came straight through the back of him, whether he took the ball or not does not even matter, he clearly fouled the big man.
Dale were very much on top now, and may have extended their lead. Connor clipped the top of the bar with a cross, and Flicker hit a shot from the edge of the box just wide following a charge led by Simpson.
It feels weird to come out of a game and actually have WON it! What's more strange is the feeling that we actually deserved to win it! A terrible first half though, which can't be excused, but Simpson's subs worked, so a bit of credit to him there! It might have been a penalty that won the game, but the chances were there, and in the end today was a deserved victory. FINALLY!