Football: Rochdale 4 - 0 Bromley

Bradden Inman scored two of Rochdale's goals

Rochdale cruised through to the FA Cup second round with a comfortable victory over National League side Bromley, who ended the game with ten men.

Two goals each from Bradden Inman and Ian Henderson earned Dale’s passage through to the next round.

Bromley’s Brett William’s was sent off with 14 minutes remaining after appearing to stamp on Ollie Rathbone.

With Joe Bunney and MJ Williams suspended, Dale manager Keith Hill gave Kgosi Ntlhe and Ollie Rathbone starts.

Coming up against a side 36 places below, it could have been a tricky afternoon but Dale set about their task from the first whistle.

Matt Done was denied by a great save in the opening minute after good work from Joe Rafferty.

Seconds later, Ian Henderson sent a curling effort narrowly wide of the upright from 20 yards out.

Bradden Inman will feel he should have done better in the third minute when he was picked out by Ntlhe, but he dragged his shot wide.

Rochdale fans did not have long to wait to celebrate the opener; Ntlhe slid a pass through to Inman whose neat little drag back gave him space to slot under Gregory.

Ntlhe went close himself when he met a deep Henderson cross, the full back denied by the woodwork with a free header.

Dale doubled their advantage from the penalty spot after Joe Rafferty was tripped by Luke Wanadio. Henderson confidently stepped up to send Gregory the wrong way.

Bromley grew into the game as the half wore on but never really troubled Josh Lillis.

Williams headed off target when well placed.

Josh Rees fired well over from 12 yards.

Dale’s third came nine minutes into the second half, Josh Lillis’ quickly taken goal kick picked out Inman who raced in on goal before slotting past Gregory.

Rochdale were well in control and looked dangerous at every attack.

Gregory beat away a powerful Henderson shot.

Rathbone had a shot cleared off the line.

Bromley’s afternoon got worse when they were reduced to 10 men in the 76th minute, Brett Williams stamping down on Rathbone after the striker saw a shot blocked.

Dale controlled the game from there on in and got their deserved fourth six minutes from time. A Dale corner was not dealt with and when Holland tried to clear, the ball fell to Henderson who shot found the bottom corner of the net for his second of the afternoon.

A professional performance from Rochdale, who will be in the hat for the second round draw on Monday evening.

Rochdale: Lillis, Ntlhe, McGahey, McNulty, Rafferty, Camps, Rathbone (Kitching 84), Henderson (c), Andrew, Inman, Done (Slew 80)
Subs: (not used) Moore, Canavan, Daniels, Davies, Williams

Bromley: Gregory, Dunne (Adeyinka 70), R Johnson (Sutherland 18), Holland (c), D Johnson, Wanadio (Mekki 58), raymond, Higgs, Rees, Dennis, Williams
Subs: (not used) Tulian, Allen, Campbell, Wynter

Referee: Mr A Miller
Assistants: Mr M D’Aguilar and Mr B Cropp
Fourth Official: Mr J Oldham

Attendance: 2,241