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Report: Dale 1 Bristol Rovers 1
Report: Dale 1 Bristol Rovers 1
Monday, 1st Jan 2001 10:48 by Mark Halliwell

Another absolute stinker of a performance from Dale, as they allowed Bristol Rovers a share of the points tonight. Despite taking the lead through Paul Connor, Dale still couldn't get the win.

Another game, another pathetic excuse for a performance, another battering at the hands of the opposition. This time it came from a Bristol Rovers who are below us in the league, and yet managed to rip us to pieces. Had it not been for heroics in goal from Matt Gilks, they could have easily reached double figures.

Dale started the same way they ended the last game. Terrible. Bristol had all the play and could have taken the lead on a number of occasions. One such attempt saw a shot sail wide from around six yards out with the whole goal to aim at. Thank god we were playing a team who couldn't shoot!

Somehow though Dale managed to get in front. A lovely ball through found Paul Connor, and he tucked the shot low into the bottom corner, very much like the goal against Coventry (how long ago does that memory seem now!?)

Bristol grabbed an equaliser though just before half time. A shot from Astafjevs looked likely to be saved by Gilks, but it took a bobble at the last moment and eluded the Dale stopper. Should have been saved though. Unlucky Matty. He more than made up for it though in the second half.

The second half was pretty much a one sided affair. Bristol completely dominated it, bar one or two forays forward from substitute Paddy McCourt for Dale. Gilks was in fine form at the other end, pulling off at least three world class saves, and Dale managed to escape from a number of goal mouth scrambles. Rovers also cracked the ball against the woodwork.

If Dale were going to get anything if was only ever going to come from the dazzling McCourt. He managed to curl a shot just wide, before his next effort struck the outside of the upright. And that was about it. The game died out, and a point each was the outcome.

Well played to Bristol Rovers tonight, great performance, deserved the victory, and should have taken it. The same can't be said for our sorry excuse for a team. Not many of them can come out with any credit, but Gilks, Paddy, Flicker, and Connor tried their best for the cause.

Booed off once again, the chants of Simmo Out are starting to get louder, even with the much depleted numbers there tonight. 1600 in attendance there tonight, did they count everyone twice or something!? How much longer this sorry excuse for football can go on is beyond me. We have just got a very lucky draw against one of the worst sides in the league. Absolutely pathetic.

The time must surely be nigh for the news the majority want. Don't make us wait any longer Killie. We can't bear to watch this anymore, and the conference is still beckoning. Don't let it happen. Do the right thing. Up The Dale!

Photo: Action Images



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