ROCHDALE were unable to play party-poopers as their former boss Paul Simpson tied up the League Two championship for Carlisle.

Dale boss Steve Parkin had no complaints as first half goals from Danny Livesey and Peter Murphy spoilt his hopes of a final home win.

He said: "There's been a lot of effort from the players going into the last two or three weeks and we looked out on our feet at times tonight. Carlisle definitely deserved to win.

"The players have been under a certain amount of pressure and they have done well to guide us to safety.

"But Carlisle are the outstanding side in this division and they showed that tonight."

Carlisle came determined to wrap up the title and Glenn Murray's shot on the turn could have given them a seventh minute lead but for a good parry by Matt Gilks.

Countered

Rickie Lambert went narrowly wide after good work by Scott Warner as Dale temporarily countered and Chris Dagnall went even closer with a whipped-in shot.

But Carlisle took the lead in the 36th minute when Livesey stooped to head home Murphy's corner.

Murphy made it two in the 43rd minute when Karl Hawley's deflected cross reached the full-back who smashed the ball high into the net.

Dale somehow survived a second-half onslaught by Carlisle with Hawley and Paul Arnison both going close before Chris Billy drew a great save out of Gilks late on.

The only positive note for the home fans was a lively debut by 16-year-old Theo Coleman on the left side of midfield.

Stockport boss Jim Gannon and his assistant Peter Ward were both in the crowd on a spying mission to look over Saturday's opponents Carlisle, who on this form could be a major obstacle to the Hatters' survival.

What is your verdict on the game? Have your say.

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