Rochdale's under 18 side fell to their first defeat of the season on Tuesday afternoon after going down 2-0 at home to Preston North End.
Dale were dealt a blow just 18 minutes into the match after goalkeeper Aaron Ashley was shown a straight red card for handling outside his area. With no 'keeper on the bench, striker Danny Whitehall went in net and immediately pulled off a fine save to deny PNE from the resulting free kick.
Rochdale worked hard as a unit to nullify the visitors' play and they were unable to make the extra man count with any great effect. Opportunities for Dale were also at a premium and the sides went in level at the break after a relatively even first half.
Preston North End took the lead five minutes after the interval through Josh Brownhill in what was a scrappy to concede, and he doubled their lead on the hour mark from long range. The postage stamp effort from 30 yards nestled perfectly in the top corner of the net leaving Whitehall rooted to the spot.
The goals brought an end to the side's five game unbeaten run.
Dale are back in action this Saturday (September 14th) with a trip to face Macclesfield. The match will take place at Sandbach Community Football Centre, Hind Heath Road, Sandbach, Cheshire, CW11 3LZ.
You can check out their full list of fixtures and results by clicking HERE.