Rochdale 2-0 Torquay

Torquay United paid the price for failing to take their chances as they returned from Spotland with no points and yet again no goals.

Striker Lee Thorpe had an early effort saved by Rochdale keeper Matthew Gilks before Gulls stopper Kevin Miller denied the home side with two smart saves.

However, Miller was helpless on 19 minutes when Glenn Murray headed in Ben Muirhead’s pin-point cross to give Rochdale the lead.

Gilks made a world-class save in the early parts of the second half when he tipped Paul Smith’s header onto the crossbar. The Gulls later hit the woodwork again with Thorpe’s effort striking the post and with the goal at his mercy, substitute Matt Hockley somehow missed the target from close range.

Rochdale doubled their lead in the final minute when Adam Le Fondre converted a penalty after Lee Mansell fouled Murray inside the box before the final whistle was blown.

Player Ratings

Kevin Miller
8* See Star Player. Booked.

Lee Andrews
7* Decent game and rarely troubled.

Dean Gordon
4* Pace of a rocking horse and short of match fitness.

Matthew Halliday (<46)
5* Looked vulnerable at the back.

Stev Angus
6* Did OK but would rather see Woods and Taylor in defence.

Lee Mansell
5* He ran and ran but didn’t do an awful lot else except give a penalty away. Booked.

Mark Robinson
4* Poor game and along with Gordon couldn’t deal with the Rochdale right-hand side. Booked.

Lloyd Kerry (<79)
6* Average game following his impressive debut against Hartlepool.

Paul Smith (<65)
5* Hit the crossbar but was largely ineffective.

Jamal Easter
3* See Match Donkey. Booked.

Lee Thorpe
7* Worked hard and hit the post but lacking in confidence when in front of goal.

Matt Hockley (>46)
4* Shocking miss in the second half which should have put the Gulls on level terms.

Kevin Hill (>65)
5* Should be starting ahead of Easter. Booked.

Negatives
5* Not enough time to make an impact.

Match Donkey
Jamal Easter: Looks lazy, lacks a good first-touch and simply not good enough.

Positives
We created chances and with a good finisher could have won the game.

Macclesfield and Wrexham both lost with Boston drawing.

Negatives
WE CAN’T SCORE!!!!!

WE CAN’T WIN!!!!!