Rochdale got a very valuable 3 points as they overcame Simmo's Carlisle at Spotland by 2 goals to 0. As the Sandy Lane started singing, "We are a team thats staying in the football league, We shall not be moved!"

Huge relief round Rochdale tonight as Dale managed to pick up 3 very valuable points against Paul Simpson's Carlisle United thanks to goals from Gary Jones and Grant Holt giving Rochdale a 2-0 win against a team down to 10 men for over half the game.  The result ensured that Dale moved up 2 places into 20th with the results involving Bristol Rovers and Cambridge going our way somewhat!

There was some doubt thrown over Sean McClare's future as we heard the team announced over the tannoy, he was dropped from the squad today and only made the bench on Tuesday in our 1-1 draw.  Michael Simpkins was also left out of the squad again.  Dale were without the services of Daryl Burgess who was injured and Danny Livesey who served his 1 match suspension following his red card at Boston.  The Dale team was Edwards in goal, Evans and Smith at full back, Heald and Griffiths at centre back.  Leo Bertos and Neil Redfearn were on the wing with Willo Flood and Gary Jones in the middle.  Grant Holt and Lee McEvilly remained up front.  Matt Gilks, Scott Warner, Simon Grand, Pat McCourt and Super Kevin Townson.

The first thing that surprised me about the game, well not the game itself but the crowd, there were thousands from Carlisle!  I expected them to bring about 1,500 ish but they brought much more than that and nearly filled the away stand!  It made the measly away following from bury last weekend look embarrassing and they certainly sung more than our neighbours!!

The match got underway and a couple of hefty tackles from Dale players early on indicated that they were well and truly up for the battle.

Rochdale should have taken the lead early on in the game when the ball somehow found Lee McEvilly at the back post but his stretching effort only hit the side netting.

The second chance of the game for Dale fell to Neil Redfearn on 14 minutes when Grant Holt was brought down on the edge of the 18 yard box and Redfearn stepped up to take the freekick but the wall blocked the effort.

Rochdale had a penalty claim as Lee McEvilly went down in the box after a weaving run that would have seen him score an awesome goal until he was fouled but the referee said he wasn't and gave nothing.

The next penalty shout was a little more successful although people who I have spoken to about it tell me they didn't think it was a penalty but you certainly won't see me moaning!!  Grant Holt was sent one on one with the keeper thanks to a sensational pass by on loan youngster Willo Flood and Holt looked to take it round the keeper and was brought down.  The result - A penalty and an automatic red card for Matthew Glennon meaning that Peter Keen had to replace Peter Duffield.  Keen's first task after coming on was to attempt to save Gary Jones' spot kick but he failed as Jones stuck it away to perfection to send us 1-0 up after 34 minutes.

Lee McEvilly's game ended on 42 minutes when was replaced by Kevin Townson because of a dead leg sustained minutes earlier.

Rochdale went in 1-0 at half time thanks to Gary Jones.

The 2nd half was pretty much the same for Dale with Carlisle putting lots of effort in but lacking in numbers.

Rochdale doubled the lead 4 minutes after the hour when a superb pass from Shaun Smith found Grant Holt who burst through and outfought the defender and found himself one on one again and he made no mistake placing the ball very well in the far corner with the outside of his boot.

Carlisle nearly got a goal back when a 30 yard free kick had to be tipped over the bar by Edwards but apart from that rarely tested Edwards.

Rochdale should have put the game beyond any doubt in the latter stages when Kevin Townson picked the ball up on the right and looked to curl it beyond the keeper but the keeper saved it and Jones couldn't pounce on the rebound either.

The final whistle sounded and it was 3 points for Dale that were of the ultimate importance especially with the fact that Macclesfield absolutely battered Kidderminster 4-1 and Bristol Rovers and Cambridge both lost.

Dale's next game is away at promotion chasing Hull on Saturday followed by league leaders Doncaster on the Tuesday after at home so to pick points up now was vital!!

Player Ratings:

Neil Edwards 6 Not too much to do but dealt with the horrible conditions quite well

Wayne Evans 7 Played well today, some excellent tackles and was very solid

Shaun Smith 7 Was impressed with him today, Dealt very well with the wind and played the great ball for Holt's goal

Gareth Griffiths 7 His ability in the air is excellent but he is not so good on the floor but still did ok today, made a couple of great tackles

Greg Heald 7 Looked calm at the back and won loads in the air, another decent game for Heald.

Leo Bertos 7 Tried his heart out and was unlucky at times but did ok overall.  Always looked dangerous as he usually does

Neil Redfearn 7 A calm head in midfield alongside Jones was welcomed today.  He added something to the team and did well today.

Willo Flood 8 Excellent today, he may have only played 2 professional games but he really is impressive.  A fantastic pass that led to the penalty.

GARY JONES 8 MOM for me today again.  He really is our best player, some great passes despite the wind and got the scoring going with a great strike.

Lee McEvilly 6 Worked hard looked good at times.  Should have scored early on.  Only played 42 minutes as he went off injured.

Grant Holt 7 Another good game for Holty.  Got his 2nd goal of the season and won the penalty.

Subs:  

Kevin Townson 6 Didn't time his runs well but looked dangerous and could have scored.  Ball didn't fall kindly to him on a couple of occasions either

Scott Warner 6 Not on long enough to make a judgement.  Came on for Redfearn

Photo: Action Images

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