Another poor showing against equally poor opposition brought loud protests against the management during the second half.

Another poor showing against equally poor opposition brought loud protests against the management during the second half. This was by far the loudest condemnation of manager Graham Barrow that we have heard during his reign at Spotland.

Both sides came into this game on the back of poor displays. Dale had humiliated themselves at home to Scarboro five days earlier, whilst Chester came into the match on the top of heavy defeats by Altrincham and Cardiff. It was no surprise therefore that it proved to be a game short on entertainment. However, the game started with only Chester wanting to make amends for their previous weeks shortcomings.

Dale started the match with several changes. They reverted to the 5-3-2 formation, with Mark Bailey coming in for Mark Williams who was rested by Barrow and Paul Carden came in for Mark Stuart. This was another poor display by Dale. They were second to most of the 50-50's and passes frequently went astray. It is quite surprising that despite playing with 2 wingbacks, Dale so often get beaten for width. The Chester wide men had acres of space, and it was from one such move that they took the lead. Bailey had struggled to contain the wing work and the ball was crossed in to Chester striker Wright. Keith Hill failed to make the necessary challenge, slipping in the process. Wright faked a shot, before firing home on the second attempt.

The Dale players won a round of applause in the 40th minute when they had their first shot of the match when Monington had a go from outside the box, but his weak effort was comfortably saved by the Chester goalie.

The half time break saw loan signing Michael Holt coming on to replace Mark Bailey. Paul Carden was switched to right wing back and Robbie Painter dropped a bit deeper as the two loan men, Holt and De Souza played up front. The second half was no better and it was in this period that the loudest protests yet against the management were heard.

Dale were kept in it by the usual world class saves by Edwards, and De Souza was brought off to be replaced by Diaz, which again led to loud boos from the travelling contingent.

The equaliser came when Bryson, who had an overall disappointing match, struck a great pass of over thirty yards which was met by new boy Holt who looped a super header over the Chester keeper. The game was played out for the last ten or so minutes with neither side looking capable of winning it, even if they wanted to.

As mentioned above, there were loud protests, and calls for the Barrow's head during the second half. This was certainly a case of 2 points dropped rather than one gained. We are dropping points against very poor teams. Exeter, Scarboro and Chester should have been three comfortable wins. Defeat on Tuesday will surely bring about the end of the manager. Will victory only delay the inevitable?

Dale: Edwards, Bailey (Holt), Sparrow, Hill, Monington, Farrell, Carden, Painter, De Souza (Diaz), Bryson, Peake.

Photo: Action Images

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