IAN Long hailed his players following Saturday’s ‘fantastic’ 2-0 victory at Spalding United – ending a 15 game unbeaten run for The Tulips in the process.

‘Dale travelled to Lincolnshire having a depleted squad with Mark Smith, Luke Paskin and Leigh Downing all unavailable and Long praised his players for their efforts.

“It was a fantastic result and richly deserved, too.

“We came here having several players unavailable but that’s football and you have to deal with it. On the flip side, we had the likes of Ryan Winwood and Mitchell Botfield back in the squad for us.

“Spalding were in great form so that makes the result even more pleasing.”

Jordan Archer scored ‘Dale’s opening goal midway through the first half and Long said the former Tipton Town forward worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon.

“We missed him when he was injured, he worked worked hard and I’m pleased he got his goal.”

Defender and captain Richard Huckfield added Tivi’s second goal 12 minutes from the end with Long particularly impressed with his makeshift backline throughout the afternoon.

“To have both Mark (Smith) and Luke (Paskin) unavailable was unfortunate but we have a great squad of players here.

“Parso (Andrew Parsons) came in to the team and I thought he was excellent next to Rich. There was a 25 minute period in the second half where they were lofting balls into our penalty box and they dealt with the aerial threat really, really well.

“Sam Williams and David Bellis were terrific sat in front of them, too.

“Coming away from Spalding with a clean sheet was a great effort by everybody.”

Spalding ended the game with ten men after left-back Adam Jackson was shown a straight red for a late challenge on Chris Field but Long admits he didn’t clearly see the incident.

“I didn’t see it well enough to give an opinion either way. What I would say is that everybody I’ve spoken to have said it was the correct decision by the referee.

“The sending off came at a good time for us because Spalding were very much on top at that particular point of the game.

“We managed the game in a very professional manner once they were down to ten men.”

Long served a one-game touchline ban at the weekend following his dismissal from the bench at Sutton Coldfield Town on Boxing Day and he admits it doesn’t suit him being sat in the Directors Box.

“It was strange not being in the dugout but what I would say is that I’ve every confidence in Richard Colwell and the coaching staff.

“And, to be honest, I think Leon (Football General Manager) and Steven (Head of Communications) will be pleased the ban has now been served because I was like a ‘jack in the box’ between the pair of them!!!!”