Dale slumped to defeat down at the seaside, to a late goal from Tes Bramble. Any thoughts that the corner had been turned were quickly dispelled after another dismal performance.

Dale to put it simply deserved nothing from this game, and nothing was what they got. Two real chances on goal both falling in the first half were all Dale could muster in a dull game.

Paul Connor struck over the bar from a few yards out when he really should have scored, and a towering Clive Platt header also went over the bar. And that was pretty much about it.

Southend attacked from the off, and it looked certain that they would shoot at any chance they got. After about 30 seconds, Taffy had to get down well to keep out a low effort headed for the bottom corner. Southend were always reduced to long range efforts though, mainly due to the excellent defensive display from Dale.

Going forward however Dale could offer very little, and for most of the first half were on the backfoot. Lee McEvilly had two free kicks in similar distance to his one at Preston, the first effort seemingly crippled a defender in the wall, and the second one flew high and wide, eventually going out for a throw in!

The second half saw a slight improvement from Dale, as they tried to hold on to the ball, and looked dangerous going forward but once again failed to muster any chances of note. At the other end Taffy had very little to do and I don't think he even made a save.

Clive Platt went off after being pretty ineffective, it could have been Evil to go off, both were very poor, but Simmo opted for the big man. Simmo then attempted his cameo and it amounted to nothing. A corner/shot was tipped over the bar, and a 20 yard free kick was blocked by the wall.

With the game seemingly heading for a draw a moment of chaos at the back for Dale cost them a point, and gave the victory to the home side. Simon Grand lost the ball at the back and his attempt to regain the ball saw him foul the Southend attacker, the linesman flagged for the foul, the Dale players stopped, Southend carried on, Bramble rounded Edwards and sealed the win.

Another priceless Jamie Hoyland substitution followed as he took right wing back Warner off and brought on forward Kev Townson and he played him in the same position! Hoyland you must go, you are simply a joke, you really do not have a clue!

Its hard to look past the fact now that the season IS over. We currently are just 7 points and 7 places off being in a relegation zone. The cup game on Saturday is irrelevant to Simmo keeping his job now. Failure to destroy Lincoln on Tuesday and at least get a point at Orient should be the end of this marriage made in hell.

Well the SKY cameras were there filming the Dale fans, lets just hope they didn't film any of the match, as Coventry really will be laughing into their Sunday dinner if they get a copy of that! Is it time up for Simmo?

Photo: Action Images

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