And that was down to a complete team performance. At the back, McArdle and Stanton were in so much control, it was like Morecambe played without any forwards. Jones and Perkins ran the show in the middle to such an extent that the Morecambe supporters will now understand our undiluted praise of the blond one. And up front, Rene Howe had arguably his best game for the club turning in a proper centre forward performance.

And if the players turned up, so did the people of Rochdale with the largest home following of the season, with Keith Hill dispelling yet another Rochdale myth about the players not performing when there's a crowd.

We had just the one change in what is fast becoming a very settled side. Simon Ramsden was forced out with the injury he picked up midweek, with Marcus Holness coming in as his replacement at right back.

First half wasn't the greatest game of football you'll ever see. There was a swirling wind which made it difficult to play the passing football we've been spoilt with in recent weeks.

Morecambe certainly competed with what looked like a team full of Guy Branstons, including the fattest left back I've seen since the 80's, and also they included one time Dale target Wayne Curtis up front. We got away lightly there.

It wasn't a half in which there was a lot of chances. We had possession, plenty of it, but couldn't find a way through due to the sheer number of bodies or the aforementioned wind interfering and making passes go astray.

But from out of nowhere, we went crazy. In the space of what seemed like about 30 seconds, Morecambe cleared the ball off the line four times and we piled in shots all over the place. I'd talk you through it, but it happened so fast. Fair play to the visitors, because all of our chances were goal bound, and they through themselves in front of the ball time and time again.

We looked certain to score over and over again in that little period of play, and it was almost a miracle that we didn't. That was pretty much it for the first half, other than Holness replaced by D'Laryea off the bench.

In recent weeks, we have proved time and time again what a great second half side that we are. Forgetting the childish arguments about which end we're attacking, it goes to show just how fit our side is, and how effective our half time team talks are. We continually seem to be able to step up a gear after the break, and leave the opposition reeling.

This was to be no exception, and the only surprise was that the game finished 1-0 as Dale were so dominant that the margin of victory flattered Morecambe. Right from the start, we were all over them, and they took the kick off for the second half, and we'd regained the ball within three seconds. We were like a pack of snarling rottweilers, giving Morecambe no time on the ball at all, and they had to find a new back foot to stay on.

Rene Howe was like a different player. Today, he was confident and dominant. He has developed a wonderful ability to hold the ball up and on several occasions, he got the ball with back to goal, and despite a marker being on him, he found the space to turn and push further on.

And it was Howe who won the game for Dale. In one such move, he pushed on before firing home, which was almost blocked on the line by the arm of a Morecambe defender, but the ball trickled over the line, perhaps not even making it as far as the netting. A scruffy goal no doubt, but they all count, and Howe's goal made it six goals in his last five matches.

1-0 to the boys in blue. Apparently.

After that goal, it looked like a case of how many we would win by. There were chances galore for Howe, Alfie, Dagnall and Muirhead late on, but they were thwarted by good defending and even better goalkeeping from the young Shrimps keeper Davies.

One great attack was broken down by a hugely cynical foul on Dagnall as he broke free down the left wing. A clear sending off if ever you saw one, but the first concern was whether Dagnall regain his feet and whether his knee would withstand it. We had no worries there, but we had just saw a yellow card produced.

There was much anger at this decision, not least from David Flitcroft who looked ready to rip the head off Sammy McIlroy as verbals were exchanged between the two. Had it got beyond verbals, I know who my money would have been on.

So we had to settle for 1-0, three points, and the news from Edgeley Park and Edgar Street ensured that there will be no seeing out the remaining two games before the start of the Play Offs.

A big congratulations to everyone associated with the club for making the Play Offs, and equalling our record points total with two matches still to go, but such is their success, we might not be enjoying a post-season finalé after all.

See you at Bury!