Dale's title challenge began well enough at Hopwood Hall, but within 10 minutes Dale found themselves a goal down despite dominating play.
Dale dusted themselves down and A Rachael Wood corner found Steph Bell who fired home for Dale on the 22nd minute. Dale pushed home their advantage and Steph Bell hit a low driven ball through a group of Wakefield defenders some how it found a gap and hit the post and rebounded into the net.
Lizzie Paul's tireless running upfront nearly paid off as she shielded the ball well and laid back a pass to Holly Newman who just fired over the crossbar.
After the break Dale's constant pressure brought yet another corner and Steph Bell scored her hat trick. Wakefield kept on coming at Dale and a poor back pass from a Dale defender let Wakefield score to make it 3 2 on the 59th minute.
Wakefield now lifted their game and Dale got off light as Wakefield hit the crossbar. Abbi Ramsay came on for Lyndsey Burtonwood and Anna Renken for an injured Lizzie Paul. Sarah Buffel's inch perfect pass split the Wakefield defence and Anna Renken coolly fired past the outcoming keeper. Dale settled down and passed the ball with confidence. Katie Wood made way for new signing Rachael Davis who minutes later latched on to a loose ball in the area and lobbed the keeper.
A good start for Dale and stand in goal keeper Jo Cartwright was fantastic. Dale's next game is at home to Stockport County Hopwood Hall 2pm.
