Fleetwood Town 0-3 Rochdale
Tuesday 20th July 2010
Pre-season friendly
Source: Official Fleetwood Town Website
Fleetwood Town faced newly promoted Rochdale and suffered their second home defeat inside four days as the League One ran-out comfortable winners.
Chris O'Grady, Jean Louis Akpra Akpro and Joe Thompson ensured Rochdale continued their winning ways following Saturday's victory at Rossendale Untied.
Micky Mellon's men were looking to build on a good second half performance against Blackburn Rover last weekend after going down to goals at either end of the game.
The visitors carved out the early chance with Akpa Akrpo proving to be a handful up front. It was his deep cross which allowed O'Grady to be first to challenge Town keeper Danny Hurst.
O'Grady pushed on and put his side ahead finally beating Hurst after a double strike. It was tidy link up play with Joe Widdowson that allowed the Rochdale striker to open after just 5 minutes.
Town trialist Darren Racchi took one of the few chances for the home side but sent his effort past Josh Lillis's upright.
Hurst continued his impressive weekend form and saved a decent effort from Scott Wiseman on the quarter hour mark. The Fleetwood keeper again denied Rochdale after a good run by scorer O'Grady.
Akpa Akpro again tested the busy Hurst but sent his effort wide. Shortly after, the Dale striker struck from outside the box to double his sides lead. The wood work then saved the home side falling further behind after a Brian Murphy corner was glanced against the post by Akpa Akpro.
As they did on Saturday, Fleetwood found their stride in the second period but the League One side already had control of the game. Gareth Seddon's tireless work went unrewarded and Ian Craney showed the type of good work his team mates must emulate in the Conference National.
Wide, switching play allowed Rochdale to keep their lead take and eventually put the game out of Fleetwood's reach. The hour mark firmly bridged the gap between the two teams when O'Grady turned provider by setting up Joe Thompson.
Craney went close with 15 minutes remaining but his well struck shot was unrewarded.
