Dale's youngsters came up against a much more experienced Blackpool side as the Seasiders gave many of their first team squad a run out at the newly completed Bloomfield Road. Despite the scoreline Dale kept going right to the end and did press to the end trying to improve on the scoreline scoring their goal just before Blackpool's Scott Dobbie netted his third and his side's eighth in the 88th minute.

Chris Beech commented after the match " It was like lambs to the slaughter but I thought the lads played like lions. Although the scoreline makes it difficult to make the game sound good from our perspective the lads were magnificent.  Our goal was scored by under 16 Godwin Abadaki and the lads continued to get the ball down and play football. I am really proud of their endeavour and although we will never celebrate defeat I take pride in how they represented the Club ".

Tonight also saw referee Mark Halsey continue his return to football after serious illness and with best wishes from both Clubs for the future.