Dale Reserves produced another strong performance and recorded a good victory against a lively Tranmere side.

The strong Dale starting line up saw the return of Rory McArdle making his first start since dislocating his shoulder at Radcliffe during the pre-season build up. Dale were one up in the first minute when Scott Spencer scored a fine individual effort beating several Tranmere players before hitting the ball home. I missed this due  to arriving late but had no better witness to the goal than Keith who was watching from the main stand side at Dark Lane.

The first half was a fairly even contest with Dale having a slight edge on a bobbly pitch which more than once did not help players make the most of promising situations. Tranmere had a couple of half chances and on 17 minutes Adam Rundle shot wide as Dale began to exert some pressure. Scott Spencer was running at Tranmere at every opportunity and was linking well with Rundle. There was some decent forward play from Dale which resulted in chances for Brown and Spencer with several good crosses flashing across the Tranmere goal begging to be converted. Tranmere were competing but not offering much going forward  with Matt Edwards only called upon once to make a good save from a deflected shot. Holness and Brizzell were strong in defence and Rory McArdle looked strong and confident defending strongly and giving a solidity to the Dale back four.

On 38 minutes a foul on Rundle saw Dale press the Tranmere defence from the free kick and a minute later Scott Hogan doubled Dale's advantage following neat work and passing involving Manga and Spencer. Just before half time a great cross from Rundle flashed across goal and the half ended with Dale deservedly two up and Flicker joining Keith to support and encourage the lads.

Half Time - Rochdale 2 - Tranmere 0.

The second Half started with Tranmere on the front foot and on 48 minutes Dale did not clear their lines and Tranmere number seven Mackreth slotted home from 8 yards out to make it 2 - 1. The first Dale substitution was on 50 minutes when Dennis Sherrif replaced Scott Hogan on the Dale right. Within a couple of minutes he was clattered by the Tranmere number 6 as his pace started to trouble Tranmere. Despite Tranmere's goal Dale were the better side and good work from Brown out Spencer through but he shot into the side netting. On 56 minutes a shot from Rundle was saved by the Goalkeeper and cleared for a corner by Tranmere. Rundle took the corner and restored Dale's two goal advantage when it went straight in.

A minute later it was 4 - 1 when the Tranmere goalkeeper made a complete hash of a clearance allowing Manga to slot home. Shortly ater the Tranmere 3 picked up the first yellow card of the night fouling Flynn. The match was effectively over by now and only Fraughan their numer 11 was posing any threat to a very assured Dale defence. On 68 minutes Reece Gray replaced the impressive Josh Brizzell anit was Dale who continued to press as Tranmere offered little. A further Dale substitution saw Bell replace Benjamin. Tranmere's number 6 Roberts was booked on 80 minutes and was lucky to stay on the pitch on 81 with a strong challenge on Brown. The referee did well to involve the Tranmere captain to explain the potential consequences of any further aberrations, possible something League referees could do well to consider.

Dale finished strongly with Spencer continuing to press and Reece Gray putting Rundle through only to see his shot hit the post with a minute to go.

Final Score

Rochdale 4 - Tranmere 1.

Speaking to Chris Beech after the match he was pleased with the performance and happy overall with the work rate and effort of the players. Tellingly, and in keeping with the ethic that pervades the Club, he was quick to point out that happy as he was there was still a lot to improve on and that is what the players will be working on with the coaching staff in training every day.

Teams.

Rochdale;

Edwards, Flynn, Brizzell ( Gray 68 ), Brown, McArdle, Holness, Hogan ( Sherriff 50 ), Benjamin ( Bell 78 ) Manga, Spencer, Rundle. Subs Andre, Taberner.

Tranmere

Collister, Pursehouse, Trialist, Ashcroft, Taylor, Roberts, Mackreth, Power, Macauley, Bain, Fraughan. Subs, Gibbs, coughlin, Fairclough, Oliver, Benson.

Dale MOTM - Scott Spencer.