Dale returned to winning ways as they beat Macclesfield 3-1, in their 'cup final! Paul Connor banged in two more goals, Platt getting the 3rd.

For much of the game it seemed as though we were going to end up disappointment. The first half especially and the first 20 minutes or so of the second half, we were second best. But a good spell of late pressure paid off as Dale sealed the three points.

The same team once again for Dale, as at Kidderminster. Ian Bishop was back, but had to make do with a place on the bench. The first half saw Macclesfield pretty much dominate proceedings. Going close with a number of headers. They also had a free-kick which hit the post.

Dale could offer very little up front, the midfield once again failing to create the openings. Dale's first chance of the game inevitably found the back of the net. A flick on from Platt in the box fell to Connor who smashed the ball past Wilson in the Macc goals from six yards out.

Macclesfield kept probing and found an equaliser not soon later. Most of the ground was expecting a Dale free kick on the edge of the area following a foul, was never going to be with the joke of a biased referee in charge though. The ball fell to Welsh who hit the ball in the corner of the net.

A very disappointing first half from Dale, we were seemingly getting over-run, by a poor Macc side. It was a good job Taffy was awake as he produced a number of good saves, yet again. Harsh to say but we really would be near the bottom if it hadn't been for his performances this season. He kept us in the game yet again.

The second half saw Macc again dominate proceedings at the start, without really getting into the Dale box and creating that many chances. Dale made two changes, an impressive Flitcroft was replaced as was Paddy, and on came Ian Bishop and Lee Hodges.

Similar to the first half, Dale simply went down the other end and scored after some good Macc pressure. Paul Connor was alert at the front post to steer home a cross for his second of the game.

The game seemingly opened up then. Simpson had two brilliant free-kicks, one crashing against the bar and the other being excellently saved by Wilson. At the other end Taffy once more pulling off some good saves. Thank the lord too for Kyle Lightbourne - couldn't hit a cow's ass with a banjo!

Dale increased their lead following a great move, possibly our best pit of play all season. Connor and Simpson exchanged one-twos, before giving it to Platt, who beat a man and fired the ball home low into the far corner of the net.

A late scramble in the Dale box saw some confusion but Mr Reliable Wayne Evans was on hand to deal with it as usual. Thank god the chance fell to Lightbourne. A footballer might have actually scored! A late free-kick too was sent harmlessly wide.

Dale showed good spirit to turn things around in the second half, after being under the kosh for parts of the game. Once again not the best of performances but the three points are in the bag again. Dale move back up into second after the win.

Photo: Action Images

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