An enjoyable evening at Boundary Park saw the young Dale stars go through to the next round of the FA Youth Cup by defeating their local rivals by 5 goals to 3. The lads now make the journey to Premiership Aston Villa in the next round, dates and times still to be announced.

There was a good turnout of Dale supporters in the healthy crowd and it was great to see Craig Dawson taking the time to come out and give his support to the young Dale side after his MOTM performance last night in the fine victory over Notts County.

Oldham kicked off against a Dale side sporting Oldham's fluorescent yellow second kit as the referee deemed the purple away kit to be too close to Oldhams home colours. Dale were certainly sharper in the first ten minutes with Sherrif having a chance and the first corner going our way. The team were in no way affected by the bigger physical presence of the Oldham side and Dale took the lead on 17 minutes when a cross from Scott Hogan on the right was headed home by the Oldham number 7. The following period was pretty even and it was not until 22 minutes that Oldham had their first real chance with a shot that Daniel Taberner easily saved. The Oldham equaliser came on 34 minutes when Dan made an excellent save only to see his parry fall to McGrath who finished well from about 10 yards out.

Oldham remained level for no more than two minutes when a cross to the far post was headed home by Sherriff  to put Dale back in front . It was noticeable that the music played to celebrate Oldham's equaliser was absent this time, and again three more times later on in the match! This was a good match being enjoyed by the good crowd in the main stand opposite the now missing Broadway stand. Both sides had chances but just before half time McGrath took on the Dale defence and drilled a fine shot past Taberener to make it two all at half time.

Half Time - Oldham 2 Rochdale 2.

Dale kicked off the second half and had the first real chance on 47 minutes when Sherriff shot over but within a minute Dale had a penalty when Hogan was brought down and Josh Brizell confidently smashed home the spot kick.  Two minutes later it was 4 - 2 with probably the best goal of the game. Some absolutely outstanding play by the exciting and talented Reece Gray set up Scott Hogan to smash home Dale's fourth.  A cracking goal which had this Dale supporter right out of his seat!

Oldham tried but Dale were sharper and playing the better football with Calum Byrne controlling the midfield and showing some excellent touches and vision. The entire Dale side were playing their part and as Oldham tried to get back into the match Dale were always ready to turn defence into counter attack and on 57 minutes this resulted in Reece Gray being hauled down on the left hand edge of the box as he again turned the Oldham defenders. The free kick was taken by Brizell and it passed by everyone else and on into the net to make it 5 - 2 to Dale. 

Rochdale were now totally in control and playing some really attractive football. Oldham were pushing forward but Dale were always dangerous on the break. Oldham never really threatened until the 90th minute when a cross was headed home by no 10, Bembo-Leta, but by then the match was well and truly over and our boys could look forward to the chance to take on Aston Villa. Every single player contributed in what was a fantastic team performance and all must be congratulated for their effort and their skill so it is unfair to single any one player out. However a special mention must be made about the tenacity, courage and  skill that Reece Gray showed against the big, Oldham defence. A joy to watch.

Final Score - Oldham 3 - Rochdale 5.

Dale - Taberner, Roche, Dale, Hogan, Murray, Gray, Bell, Brown, Brizell, Byrne, Sherriff, Buckely, Benjamin, Tinkler, Andrews, Fagbola, Andre.