Dale crashed to a 3-1 defeat at Mansfield, and can only have Steve Banks to thank that the defeat wasn't even heavier, after he pulled off some great saves in the first few minutes. Full report online.

Dale were carefully taken apart by a strong Mansfield side, who at times played some great football and justified their position in the top three. Dale though it has to be said were very poor, and offered very little in return, and can have no complaints about the defeat.

Dale went into the game without Gareth Griffiths or Paul Connor, so Simon Coleman and Kevin Townson started in their places. The game was played in torrential rain and the pitch looked like it could turn into a mudbath.

Dale started poorly and Mansfield really should of been at least 3 or 4 goals up within a short space of time. Sean McAuley blocked a free header on the line, before Banks made a great save. The rebound was struck back at goal, but Wayne Evans cleared off the line. Banks also tipped a lovely curling effort from Greenacre around the post.

A through ball saw Banks race out of his area to clear but in doing so he hit it straight to a Mansfield player who chipped him, only to see Wayne Evans clear off the line once again. A goal however wasn't far away and Mansfield deservedly took the lead.

A cross from the right found Greenacre at the far post, who hit a low shot. Somehow Banks managed to parry it but it squirmed away from him and the home side took the lead. A few minutes later and it was 2-0. There was a hint of offside to the goal but the ball eventually found the right boot of Martin Pemberton who hit a low shot into the bottom corner giving Banks no chance.

Dale did manage to create a couple of chances of note in the first half, and it seemed that we were beginning to get into the game when Mansfield scored their goals. Matt Doughty had an age to bury a chance when one on one with the keeper, but he blazed wide.

The second Dale began to improve ever so slightly, and there was the feeling that maybe we could get back into the game. Michael Oliver blazed over a low drive from two yards out and Kevin Townson hit an effort when through on goal, wide.

The introductions of McCourt and McEvilly for Townson and Doughty, seemed to spark a bit of life into Dale, and we seemed to want to try and salvage something. It wasn't to be however and Mansfield soon added a third through Greenacre once again. Dale managed to pull one back through Michael Oliver but it was too little too late.

A disappointing day really for Dale. We were poor once again, but we were up against a quality side. Not too many good points to come out of the game really. Platt worked tirelessly, Evans was his usual self, Oliver battled the whole midfield on his own. But the biggest plus has to be Steve Banks in net. He showed once again what he is capable of, and if it is possible, then he must be made a permanent signing.

Today I guess was one of those days, when we can say that we were second best, and were beaten by a better team. Tuesday night at home to York is vital. No less than a victory is acceptable. We MUST win. Up The Dale.

Photo: Action Images

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