ROCHDALE’s dream of ending their 36-year stay in the Football League's basement division crashed at Priestfield as Simeon Jackson’s second half penalty settled a fiercely contested play-off semi-final.

Having lost out in the play-off final to Stockport 12 months ago, Keith Hill’s team harboured hopes of going all the way this time but fell short, their failure to turn around a poor run of form cutting short their pursuit of promotion.

The Spotland outfit went into the game with just one win from their last nine games and, having been held to a 0-0 draw at home in the first leg, faced a tough task against Mark Stimson’s strong side.

Their quest became even harder when the home side started well and drew first blood, scoring the opening goal of the tie in the 13th minute.

There was more than a hint of handball when Dennis Oli charged down Rory McArdle’s attempted clearance but referee Michael Oliver allowed play to continue, Oli feeding the ball to Andrew Barcham on the left. He crossed to the near post where Gills’ top scorer Simeon Jackson arrived ahead of Tom Kennedy to poke home.

A goal to the good, Gillingham’s defence were able to sit a little deeper and look to hit Dale on the counter. Barcham threatened with a run from halfway but chose the wrong option in shooting with support from Oli and Jackson.

Momentum

With the momentum swinging very much in the home side’s direction, the game was turned on its head when Dale equalised before the break.

Goalkeeper Frank Fielding’s long punt upfield, flicked on by Thorpe, was chased down by Joe Thompson.

He had little chance of winning possession against two Gillingham defenders but managed to get in the way of Fuller’s clearance, the charge down falling to Chris Dagnall in the box.

The striker fully justified his inclusion in the team ahead of top scorer Adam Le Fondre by checking inside Garry Richards and smashing the ball past Simon Royce.

The goal lifted the visitors and Dale made a bright start to the second half only to be pegged back in the 58th minute. John Nutter burst into the penalty area on the left and was hacked down by McArdle, referee Oliver awarding a spot kick.

Jackson stepped forward and sent Fielding the wrong way to put the hosts in the driving seat.

Richards almost extended their advantage when he headed Josh Wright’s freekick against the crossbar.

Dale pushed hard for a second equaliser, skipper Gary Jones sending a shot the wrong side of the upright while Ciaran Toner’s corner was nodded goalward by substitute Adam Le Fondre, Royce saving.

McArdle headed Kennedy’s cross over, Dagnall had a claim for a penalty waved away and Will Buckley fired across the face of goal as the visitors applied late pressure, but it wasn’t to be.

Rochdale: Fielding 7, Ramsden 6, McArdle 6, Stanton 6, Kennedy 6, Thompson 6 (Buckley 60), Toner 7, G Jones 7, Rundle 6 (Le Fondre 67), Dagnall 7, Thorpe 7 (Shaw 67). Subs not used: M Jones, Holness

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