The Youth Team were victorious on Saturday, winning 3-0 away at Tranmere Rovers.

Goals from Keaton Mulvey and a Morgan Moreland brace ensured Dale picked up all three points in difficult conditions.

Manager Chris Brown made two changes from the side that beat Morecambe last time out – Kwadwo Baah replaced by Peter Thomas and Louie Clarkson coming in for Toby Phillips.

Moreland almost opened the scoring when he capitalised on a defensive error before curling a shot just wide of the post.

Peter Thomas was then denied by the woodwork when his cross hit the crossbar after being taken by the wind.

Dale opened the scoring after a well worked corner routine saw Mulvey rise the highest at the back post to head home.

Moreland doubled the lead minutes later when he smashed a shot in off the post after Dale won the ball back high up the pitch.

Mulvey had the chance to double his tally but the Tranmere ‘keeper was equal to it, with Louie DeSouza firing in the rebound but it was saved once more.

Moreland wrapped the game up for Dale when he was the quickest to the ball following Keaton Mulvey’s attempted effort, slotting the ball under the ‘keeper.

A reckless tackle from a Tranmere midfielder ensued chaos which resulted in Tranmere’s Joe Blackham shown a straight red card after punching a Dale player.

Dale defended resolutely and held out for all three points and earned a well-deserved clean sheet.