Stockport 0 - 1 Rochdale

Stockport v Rochdale

Calvin Andrew scored from the penalty spot as Rochdale claimed a narrow win over Stockport County. Andrew sent the ball straight down the middle from 12 yards after Andy Cannon was felled inside the box.

Keith Hill named three trialists in his squad at Edgeley Park; Theo Robinson continues to try and earn a contract whilst goalkeepers Timothy Dieng and Tony Thompson were given 45 minutes each as they looked to impress. There was also a start for 16-year-old first year scholar Aaron Morley in midfield alongside skipper Jamie Allen. Joe Rafferty was utilised as a central defender in a back four also containing Andy Cannon, Niall Canavan and former County player Jim McNulty. Rueben Noble-Lazarus made his first appearance since returning to the club in midweek. Calvin Andrew, James Hooper and Theo Robinson started up front.

Stockport, buoyed by a boisterous home crowd, took the game to Dale from the first whistle with former academy product Sam Minihan firing over when well placed 18 yards out.

Robinson was played in brilliantly by Morley but the striker was left frustrated after some very good defending smothered his chance.

Former Dale loanee Lewis Montrose showed great footwork before a shot with the outside of the right boot brought about a fine one handed save from Dieng.

The Dale boss gave trialist keeper Tony Thompson the second half as Dieng made way. Thompson was on trial at Fylde and played in the first half of the game against Dale on Tuesday, with Keith Hill being impressed enough to offer him a trial at Spotland.

Stockport almost caught Dale napping in the opening seconds of the second half when a quickly taken free-kick saw the home side with space to cross; the centre from Danny Lloyd being over hit and the ball just dropping on the roof of Thompson’s goal.

As the game reached the hour mark, Dale started to impose themselves more.

Robinson was thwarted by the legs of Ben Hinchliffe in the County goal.

Another defence splitting pass from Morley fed Cannon, his cross was deflected behind for a corner.

Second year scholar Jack Stewart came on with twenty minutes remaining, replacing James Hooper.

Robinson came close to opening the scoring when his turn and shot crashed back off the face of the crossbar.

Hinchliffe was at full stretch to push away Noble-Lazarus’ drive. From the resultant corner, Dale were awarded a spot kick when Cannon was tripped by Adam Thomas. Calvin Andrew stroked the ball into the net from 12 yards to score the only goal of the game.

Keith Hill said afterwards that it was a very good workout for his players as the pre-season continues to build towards the first league game against Peterborough United.

Attendance: 744

Rochdale: Dieng (T) (Thompson 46) (T), Cannon, Rafferty, Canavan, McNulty, Allen (c), Noble-Lazarus, Morley, Hooper (Stewart 70), Robinson (T), Andrew