MORECAMBE'S poor end of season run continued with a defeat against in-form Rochdale.

Against a side aiming to clinch a play-off spot after seven wins in eight games the Shrimps spent most of the game on the back foot but with Scott Davies in superb form again along with a resolute back four there was hope of a third successive draw.

But then Sammy McIlroy's side, as they have done all too often this year, gifted Dale their winner.

They failed to clear a ball on the edge of their own area three times and Rochdale midfielder Gary Jones took advantage as he slipped in Rene Howe and the on-loan Peterborough striker made no mistake with his ninth league goal of the season.

From there there was no way back for the Shrimps who failed to trouble home keeper Tommy Lee throughout out the game.

Although they threatened to counter on several occasions there was a lack of a cutting edge up front and the Shrimps created just one chance in the game when Craig Stanley flashed a shot over the bar at the far post following a 44th minute corner.

Rochdale clinched their play-off spot with the win which they deserved. With former Shrimp David Perkins superb in midfield alongside the excellent Gary Jones the home side kept possession well and used wingers Kallum Higginbotham and Adam Rundle to good effect.

As a result Keith Hill's side always looked the more likely to score but were denied by a string of fine saves from Morecambe keeper Davies in the first half and some fine defending.

Davies was soon in action with an excellent save from Perkins on 12 minutes and another fine block from Rundle two minutes later. On 23 minutes he produced another superb block from Jones and although he was beaten by Howe's follow-up Danny Adams was on hand to clear off the line.

Morecambe began to get a foothold in the game with Garry Hunter firing over and Nathan Stanton producing an important covering tackle to foil Matty Blinkhorn.

But Rochdale's dominance continued in the second period and they came close through Perkins and Kallum Higginbotham before Howe struck.

Ben Muirhead had a golden chance to add to Rochdale's lead in injury time but was denied by the excellent Davies who is proving to be the shining light in a poor end to a memorable season.

Rochdale: Lee, Holness (D'Laryea 42), Stanton, McArdle, Kennedy, Higginbotham, Jones, Perkins, Rundle (Muirhead 62), Le Fondre (Dagnall 78), Howe 7. Unused subs: Button, Montrose. Booked: Holness.

Morecambe: Davies 8, Yates 6, Bentley 7, McStay 8, Adams 6; Baker 6, Stanley 6 (Lloyd 72), Allen 5, Hunter 6, Curtis 6; Blinkhorn 5 (Newby 72). Unused subs: Jalal, Artell, Burns. Booked: Yates.

Referee: J Moss.
Attendance: 3,706.

Starman: Henry McStay was absolutely outstanding.