Rochdale 1 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

Rochdale ended the season with victory against 10 man Plymouth to leave Keith Hill’s side in the top half of the table after young debutant Joe Bunney scored with virtually his first touch in professional football. The 19 year old headed home a left wing cross just 4 minutes after coming on as a substitute. The Pilgrims had to play for more than 75 minutes with just 10 men after Max Blanchard saw red for felling George Donnelly when through on goal.

With the season already over bar the shouting for Keith Hill’s side, the Dale gaffer named his released list prior to this game. 8 players were told they won’t be offered new deals at Spotland with strikers Ashley Grimes and Terry Gornell leading the list. None of the released players featured in this game with youngster Darcy O’Connor given a start; just days after being offered his first professional contract at the club. Reece Gray made his first start of the season after breaking his leg in a pre-season game. Other youngsters Joel Logan, Callum Camps, Jamie Allen, Scott Tanser & Joe Bunney were named on the bench.

Plymouth, backed by over 2000 travelling supporters, knew a point would see them safe from relegation come 4:45pm. Defeat could have seen them relegated to the Conference.

The early talking point was the dismissal of Plymouth central defender Max Blanchard after he tussled with Donnelly outside the area. Referee Eltringham wasting little time in brandishing the red card, much to the fury of the Frenchman.

Down to 10 men, the Green army were silenced as Dale took control of the game. Donnelly used his pace to make room inside the area but couldn’t beat Cole who saved well.

Being held at arm’s length by a very defensive looking Plymouth, Dale were reduced to pot shots from distance. Michael Rose’ 40 yard striker came back off the underside of the crossbar in the closest Hills side came to breaking the deadlock.

Goal mouth action was fairly sparse in the second half although Dale dominated the ball. The Plymouth fans were still fairly nervous but with news filtering through that scorelines elsewhere meant safety, the travelling masses started to find their voices.

The only goal of the game came with 12 minutes remaining when substitute Joe Bunney, a youngster signed on non-contract terms from Northwich Victoria last month, headed home from close range with his first touch of professional football!

In the end it was a comfortable victory for Hill’s men with the youngsters who were given a chance to shine impressing, it’s onwards to next season when the Spotland faithful will be hoping that Keith Hill can work his magic once again.

Attendance: 4,272

Rochdale: Lillis, O’Connor (Tanser 67), Cansdell-Sherriff, Thomas, Rose, Grant (Camps 74), Cavanagh, Kennedy, Henderson, Donnelly (Bunney 74), Gray
Subs: (not used) Edwards, Collis, Logan, Allen

Plymouth: Cole, Berry, Blanchard, Branston, Bhasera (Charles 89), Wotton, Hourihane, Nelson, Gurrieri (Harvey 83), Bryan, Reid (Chadwick 76)
Subs: (not used) Gilmartin, Cowan-Hall, Murray, Young

Referee: Mr Eltringham
Ass Referee: Mr Blackhouse & Mr Gordon
Fourth Official: Mr Wootton