Dale slipped to their third defeat in a row at home to bury in the first round of LDV Vans Trophy. A Woodthorpe goal was enough to give bury the win.

Well the scoreline speaks for itself, Dale lost yet again. Can look at the defeat in two ways though, we were more promising tonight, but we were up against Bury without some of their better players. This with Dale only missing a couple of first team players.

Once again Gilks got the call in net. Duffy played right back, Doughty still wasn't given a rest at left back. MacAuley made his return to partner Griffiths at the back. In midfield it was Hodges, Oliver, Bishop and Simpson, with Townson and McEvilly up front.

The first half was a torrid affair. Both teams seemingly cancelling each other out. The visitors were playing the better football, but didn't offer much up front. Dale managed only one header though which was cleared off the line.

The second half was much of the same, but bury began to increase their pressure, and were duly rewarded with a goal, if somewhat luckily. After a goal mouth scramble the ball fell to Woodthorpe who drilled the ball low into the net.

Dale were behind yet again, and it took this to wake them up. The move of the game saw Hodges send Duffy clear down the flank, before he cut in and slid the ball to the near post where Evil put it just wide. Townson was screaming for a cut back though, being completely unmarked.

Paddy McCourt came on for Hodges, and Connor replaced McEvilly. Dale started to get into the game, and started to cause Bury some problems. Simpson twice went close, one from a free kick which was tipped around the post.

Gareth Griffiths had an effort slightly deflected which also had to be parried well by Garner in the bury net. As time wore on Dale were still looking for that elusive goal. Patrick McCourt came for a short corner, before beating a man, and unleashing a thunderous shot which was again saved well.

With the seconds ticking away and deep into injury time he did the same again, this he tried to chip it over the keeper but it dipped agonisingly onto the roof of the netting.

Tonight was slightly more promising from Dale. Our performances lately have seen us create very little, but tonight we created a lot more. However why did it take until we were a goal down and having twenty minutes left for this to happen?! There is absolutely no urgency whatsoever to go at teams from the start. We all know we have the talent in the squad, lets bloody well show it.

So first blood to bury this season in the first of our local derbies. Probably not deserved on the whole but the result speaks for itself. We have got to start putting the ball in the net. Sounds simple, but we really can't even do that at the moment! Its three defeats in a row, the honeymoon period for Simmo is definitely over now. Lets get back on track, and soon! Up The Dale

Photo: Action Images

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