It was a return to the traditional Lancashire vs Yorkshire derby today, as Dale took on Halifax Town at Spotland.

It was a return to the traditional Lancashire vs Yorkshire derby today, as Dale took on Halifax Town at Spotland for the first time since the Shaymen returned from their non league stay. It was your typical derby game, with the Dale coming out on top.

A large crowd assembled at Spotland today to see Dale and Halifax renew old rivalries. Indeed it was just like the old days as Dale beat their Yorkshire rivals. To be fair, it wasn't the best game in the world ever seen at Spotland, but with our league position, three points is three points and it cannot be sniffed at. This makes it seven points out of nine since Graham Barrow was given his ultimatum by the board, which should secure his future till November at least.

Dale started well and completely outplayed the Shaymen for the first fifteen minutes or so, and must have counted themselves unlucky not to have been leading comfortably after this period. They totally pressed the Shaymen back and both Lancashire and Painter came close to taking the lead.

After this time, Halifax came back into it and themselves came close when a long range effort rebounded off the cross bar. Halifax were quite a physical side and it was somewhat surprising that they managed to survive the game with eleven players. Dale did struggle at times with the tactics of the opposition, but with the exception of that effort mentioned previously.

Neil Edwards had a quite afternoon. All shots going his way, went either wayward or straight at him. Dale took the lead via a free kick at the end of the first half. The free kick was delayed as Ugly Mark Sertori continually encroached within the designated ten yards, which lead to his booking. The kick was taken and knocked back to new signing Mark Williams who fired the ball through the wall and underneath the body of ex Dale reserve Lee Martin, who should have saved it easily.

Half time came and went, with three Halifax fans thrown out for whatever reason. Halifax obviously stepped up a gear, but it was not enough. The nearest they came to scoring was when one effort hit the crossbar before bouncing down then bounced over the cross bar.

Dale threatened several times but they were all half chances. Town keeper Lee Martin rode his luck on various occasions as he managed to scramble the ball away. Diaz was booked for diving though it was unclear from where I was stood the validity of this. The half got quite niggly as Keith Hill has the ginger number nine of the dingles in his pocket and there were several verbals between them that Keith Hill particularly seemed to enjoy. He was seen quite visibly telling the ginger one where to go in not so polite terms, laughing at him in the process.

Dale managed to hold on for the victory which they just about deserved. Leonard came on late for Lancashire, as manager Graham Barrow strengthened the midfield.

Dale : Edwards, Williams, Barlow, Hill, Jones, Johnson, Diaz, Painter, Lancashire (Leonard), Bryson, Peake.

This was an effective performance by Dale. There were a lot of positive signs, but again failed to kill of the opposition when it was there for the taking. Edwards had a very quite game. He had little to do. The shots on targets all went straight at him, and caused him no problems.

Goal scorer Mark Williams had a fine game again and is proving himself to be the number one Dale number two ahead of Paul Sparrow. He got the winner from a free kick, and tried his luck a couple of times after that. He is only 20, having recently signed from Tranmere and looks a worthy prospect.

Andy Barlow did okay but his positional sense left a lot to be desired. He was caught out of position a few times, and Jason Peake had to come back and track. He did a couple of crucial tackles, but Dean Stokes who is out for up to four months, should get his place back. Having said that, there can't be many better reserve left backs in our division.

Keith Hill had one of his best games for the club. He enjoyed a right old tussle with the ginger number nine of Halifax and came out on top. For me, Hilly was man of the match. He was involved with a bit of afters at the final whistle which brought all the players together in a ruck. Keith's hand shake must have been a tad too enthusiastic.

Alan Johnson looked a little unfit, as his lack of first team football showed. His pace was not what it was. However Psycho still had a few first rate tackles. His timing of tackles is second to none. It is certainly hotting up for who Dale's centre half partnerships will be once all are available at the same time. I wouldn't like to say who it would be, and I certainly would not like to tell any of them that they were not one of them.

Gary Jones had perhaps his finest game for the club. He came back into defence making some crucial tackles at times. Equally Ian Bryson, who had his best game for the club. The difference between the Bryson of this season, and last is unbelievable. Last year he looked like a player taking one last big pay day before retirement(when fit). This year he is battling for his place, and looks a class act since he was brought in from the wing.

Issy had a difficult game as he was constantly the victim of some over zealous tackles. He got booked for diving in the box, which was probably fair judging by the reaction of the Halifax fans in the family stand.

Painter and Lancashire ran their hearts out and were unlucky not too have scored. However neither established many real chances for themselves, but their contribution to the team effort did not go unrewarded.

Peakey has a good time and provided some great cross field balls against his old team. When he gets completely match fit, which he will only do by first team football, he will re-establish himself as one of the best midfielders in the division.

The Shaymen brought a sizeable following with them, but they were very quiet throughout. The lack of atmosphere by the Shaymen was quite surprising given the history of this fixture. It is as near either team gets to a local derby this year. The Sandy was as loud as it has been in recent years at times. Poor old Andy Thackeray credited once again in the program as a model professional by Graham Barrow. Why does this term Model Professional follow him around? He did very little on the pitch to warrant any plaudits. As mentioned above, we now have seven points from three games. The Dale players fought hard for this victory and thoroughly deserved it for their efforts. You could not question the team spirit on display, which makes you wonder why we don't see it more often. 

Photo: Action Images

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