A 1-0 home defeat led to an aggregate 2-0 defeat to near neighbours Wigan Athletic. An improved Dale display failed to overturn the first left defecit. This ends Dale's involvement in the competition for another twelve months.

Another match, another defeat. However don't think for one minute that this game had any resemblance to that on Saturday against Torquay. The level of effort put in by the players was what we should expect week in week out and they caused Wigan all sorts of problems in the first half hour.

It was a struggle for Dale, as Wigan showed a similar negative approach to that Dale showed at their place the previous week. It was not easy for Dale, who had their most attacking line up of the season. Wigan played with that extra defender, which was difficult for the ever lively forward line. Again, we struggled because of a lack of height in the box, but there was some testing balls for the Wigan keeper Carroll.

Dale tired in the second half but still gave their all. Dean Stokes had another good game against the ever lively David Lee. The bald winger finally got free of his marker as Dale pushed forward and scored the winner.

Despite calls for subs towards the end, GB stuck with his original line up to the end. Dale almost got a late equaliser towards the end following a scramble in the Wigan box, but it was eventually cleared.

As I said before, this was a much better display. Obviously, things couldn't get any worse, but there was a lot of bright things out of this match. I have no doubt that had this been a league match, Dale would have won and won comfortably. Wigan seemed happy to stick with their first leg advantage and play on the break.

Alan Johnson had an excellent return to first team action. What on earth has happened to Wigan's Graeme Jones? He reminded me of Paul Williams tonight. He is not the player he was and is not worth a tenth of the million pounds he was once quoted at. Psycho hardly put a foot wrong.

Bayliss was asked to play as right back with Sparrow dropped to the bench. He again looked on top form and is proving to be one of Dale's best players. He is finally reaching the potential he showed in his formative years.

Edwards was outstanding naturally. It goes without saying. He made 3 or 4 world class saves, but we are getting used to them. He is by far the best keeper I have ever seen in a Dale shirt.

Diaz looked lively, swapping wings regularly in an attempt to find a breakthrough against his former club. He will terrify third division defences on this performance. Peakey is already getting used to his runs, and a partnership is being formed there.

Robbie Painter had a bright start, but recent injury problems took their toll as the game progressed. Keith Hill had an infinitely better game that Saturday, and Andy Farrell made some crucial tackles.

Mark Bailey played a new role tonight. he was asked to play a more central midfield position and he played like his life depended on it. he looks far more useful here than on the right hand side. It was felt the Barrow gave Bailey his chance at a first team place and he responded well. This approach should be used more often.

Both Carden and Gray have done enough to warrant a first team outing after bright pre seasons, though first team efforts have been limited with the exception of late subs at Plymouth.

Dale: Edwards, Bayliss, Stokes, Hill, Johnson, Farrell, Diaz, Painter, Lancashire, Bailey, Peake subs not used Key, Barlow, Stuart, Bryson, Sparrow

Photo: Action Images

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