Dale cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Swansea. Poor finishing and good goalkeeping kept the score down as Dale were on top of their game.

Well there had been complaints beforehand that we were too negative and that we didn't know how to attack. Today the players proved us wrong as they put on a good solid display, which was made to look even better by the poor quality of the opposition.

Dale had a much changed midfield for the match, with Flitcroft on the right, and Ware partnering Oliver in the middle. The best news of the day came when we found out that Matt Doughty was to be given a chance on the left wing, and as always he didn't disappoint. Paul Connor started up front in place of Kevin Townson and Steve Banks was back in net.

Dale started the game the better and had numerous chances to take the lead. Connor had two fantastic efforts from long range which only narrowly missed. Clive Platt also had his shot cleared off the line after he had lobbed the advancing keeper, only to see a defender clear.

Just when it seemed that it was going to be one of those days, Dale finally broke the deadlock. The ball fell for Michael Oliver on the edge of the area and he hit a stunning left footed drive into the top corner. Not long later and it was 2-0. A mix up in the Swans defence saw Neil Sharp slice the ball into his own net.

Swansea had little impact on the game and in truth their only real chance saw a fantastic save from Steve Banks who had been pretty much a spectator all afternoon. The second half was no different and Dale continued to dominate proceedings.

Chances came and went, Oliver produced a fine save from the keeper, as did Clive Platt. Paul Connor broke through on goal also but his shot was saved when he surely should have done better. With time running out Dale seemed to take their foot off the pedal, somewhat understandably so, as there was never really any doubt that the three points were safely in the bag.

There has been much made of John Hollins tactics and style of play lately, but we have to hold our hands up today and say that we did play well. I'm sure against better opposition we would have found it harder, but the fact of the matter is we picked up a valuable three points today, and if we continue to play the way we did then there will certainly be more wins to follow.

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