Dale were beaten 1-0 away at playoff contenders Gateshead on Good Friday.

Dajaune Brown’s first-half goal proved to be the difference, as Jimmy McNulty’s men were beaten for the first time in five games.

The Dale Head Coach made one change to the team that started Saturday’s 1-0 win at home to Maidenhead United. George Nevett, who won his second Wales Under-19 cap on international duty last weekend, returned in place of Dan Sassi, who extended his loan with the club until the end of the season earlier in the week. There was also welcome news in the form of Tyrese Sinclair returning from injury to take a place on the substitute’s bench.

It was an even opening to the game, with Ryan East seeing a shot blocked for Dale and Kieron Evans having a tame shot held by Jacob Chapman.

Midway through the first-half, Kyron Gordon put in a strong block on a well-struck volley from Kain Adom, before Dale put together a well worked corner routine that saw Devante Rodney’s poke goal wards held by Nathan Harness.

The hosts took the lead in the 27^th minute, when Ed Francis’ lofted ball over the top for Brown allowed the Gateshead striker to lift the ball over the advancing Chapman.

The Heed, who were 7-1 winners over Hartlepool United during the week, were dominant in possession following the goal. Francis saw a free-kick held by Chapman and Regan Booty hit a shot from 25-yards well off target before the interval.

After the break, Luke Hannant and Rodney both saw shots well blocked at either end, before Chapman pulled off a fine save to turn Louis Storey’s goal bound header onto the underside of the bar, before Dale cleared.

McNulty’s side were seeing a lot more of the ball higher up the pitch as the second period progressed but were struggling to create clear cut chances.

Gateshead substitute Greg Olley curled an effort narrowly wide of Chapman’s left post, before Dale’s best chance fell to substitute Sinclair.

Gordon received a pass from Cian Hayes on the right and sent a cross in which reached Sinclair on the far side of the area. He took a good touch and caught his shot well, but hit the effort straight at Harness, who collected at the second attempt.

Sinclair had a late shot well blocked as Dale pushed for an equaliser, but it would end in a first defeat in five games.

Dale XI | Chapman, Gordon, John (65’ Armstrong), East, Ebanks-Landell ©, Mitchell, Rodney, Keohane (65’ Sinclair), Nevett, Hayes, Gilmour (83’ Mather).

Unused subs | Clayton, Sassi.