Dale turned in another gutless performance as they were defeated at home to a very average Southend side. Once again we fail to impress at home, things have got to change.

Once again Dale were beaten by Southend at Spotland. Third year in a row now. Things are seemingly not rosy in the Dale camp at the moment. Despite a great win at Wrexham, Dale still could not defeat an average side at home and once again deserved nothing.

To perhaps call the performance a shambles is a bit harsh. but it was certainly not good. Dale stuck with the same team that won so convincingly at Wrexham, but it seemed like we were watching a completely different one at times.

The first half must go down as one of the most boring in recent times at Spotland. Neil Edwards once again produced a world class save to deny a goal bound volley in the first half, and the only other moment of goal mouth action for either side was when Southend took the lead through a freak goal.

A long ball over the top of the Dale defence saw MacAuley completely balls up a back pass, kicking high up into the air allowing Mark Rawle to head over the advancing Neil Edwards who was expecting a header back. MacAuley at fault. Terrible.

The second half saw Dale improve slightly and it looked that we may have got back in the game. Paul Simpson hit the woodwork with a low drive, and Flitcroft and Oli had volleys that were dealt with easily. Asides from that Dale once again created nothing.

McEvilly saw himself taken off after going close to being red-carded following some fisticuffs and a late challenge, he was replaced by an out of form Kev Townson. Bishop came on too as did Connor, but it seemed too little really for Dale.

Southend extended their lead following a goal mouth scramble and a simple tap-in to the bottom corner. Dale managed to pull one back as Gareth Griffiths rose to meet a corner (yet another goal from a set-play - can we actual CREATE anything?!)

Dale pushed men forward in search of an equaliser but it was never going to happen. The final whistle brought jeers from the Dale fans and rightly so. Another poor performance in games we know we should be winning. Once again we failed to put on a good showing at home, is it any wonder the crowds are dwindling!? This standard of football ain't good enough. We know damn well we are better than this. Get it sorted.

Photo: Action Images

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