A young Rochdale Reserve side made up almost entirely of Chris Beech’s youngsters proved their worth in Wednesday’s home game against Accrington.
The first half saw Accrington dominate but fail to beat Daniel Taberner who made three excellent saves to keep them at bay. Dale picked up the pace late in the first half with some great work in the box by Reece Gray, and Dennis Sherriff hit the post with a good attempt.
The half ended goal-less but there wasn’t long to wait for the opening goal and after a melee in front of the Accrington goal Dale’s opener was credited to Tom Bentham having the last touch.
Two minutes later Dale were two up when Scott Hogan headed home from a corner. On 55 minutes the young Dale side went three up as an excellent cross from Hogan was headed home by Callum Byrne who was having a very strong second half.
On 70 minutes Accrington were handed a lifeline when Michael Roche was involved in a tangle of legs which saw a penalty awarded.
Accrington scored a well worked second on 88 minutes but Dale saw out the match in command with Sherriff having a good effort on 90 minutes. Overall an excellent second half performance by Chris Beech’s young charges.
Rochdale: Daniel Taberner, Josh Brizell (Capt), Thomas Buckley, Callum Byrne, Joshua Dale, Michael Roche, Scott Hogan, Russell Benjamin, Reece Gray, Dennis Sherriff, Helio Andre. Subs: Thomas Bentham (45 for Andre), Liam Murray (unused) Joshua Tinker (70 for Gray) Laurence Bell (70 for Byrne), Jordan Fagbula (unused).
