Dale came from behind to pick up three points in their opening EFL Trophy match away at Morecambe on Tuesday night.

Dale start with Lynch in goal, a back four of McLaughlin, Amankwah, McNulty and Dunne, a midfield of Brierley sitting deep behind Morley and Rathbone with Bradley in front and a front two of Baah and Tavares.

The game was scrappy to start with, Morecambe had the better of the first 20 minutes without creating too much, their best chance fell to McAlinden who smashed an effort wide after some smart play on the edge of the area.

The deadlock was broken by the hosts in the 23rd minute as a corner was swung in from the left and headed in at the back post by Lavelle beating McNulty and Dunne in the air.

Dale really should’ve equalised on 25 minutes as a great ball over the top from Morley fell to Tavares who chipped wide when it looked easier to score. To be fair to him, this was Dales first sight at goal.

Morecambe really should’ve stretched their lead soon after as Pringle sent a looping ball into the area, it was headed down and a shot from the penalty spot was smashed over the stand. More warning signs for Dale from set pieces, perhaps expected given the youthfulness and shortness of the Dale lineup. Then a clipped ball was headed wide by McAlinden who really should’ve scored. Somehow after half an hour, it was still 1-0!

Our second chance of the night again came from a ball through to Tavares, who made a great run and backheeled smartly into the path of Ethan Brierley who saw his shot blocked at source.

HALF TIME: Morecambe 1-0 Rochdale

One change for Dale at the break as Jimmy Keohane replaces Ryan McLaughlin.

A slight change in that Morley went deeper and Ethan Brierley was pushed slightly further forward, he looked bright on the ball in the first half.

Dale started brightly and had a chance as a throw in down the right resulted in a nice passage of play between Brierley, Tavares and Bradley before a shot was saved when Bradley shot from a tight angle.

Rathbone had a smart free kick saved on 55 minutes after some great work to win it. Some great penetrating runs in the early stages of the second half by Ollie and Dale were looking a lot more dangerous. He had a shot after a good run from the half way line that flashed wide on the hour mark... he perhaps had better options either side with Baah and Tavares trying to make up the space.

Baah and Tavares linked up well soon after with Baah making one of his trademark runs from the halfway line before fluffing a shot high wide. As the ball was being retrieved Dooley replaced Rathbone, he was running the game but probably wise with the fixture congestion coming up.

On 70 minutes, Dale made their third and final change as Newby replaces Amankwah who hobbled off holding his hamstring. Morley slotted in alongside McNulty.

In the 86th minute Dale finally found it! After a very smart through ball from Morley, Tavares finished very smartly with his first touch down the right hand side. A great finish from the youngster.

Dale got the winner in the 92nd minute after a great move saw Dunne released down the left and he put a great ball in, Bradley saw an effort hit the post and Alex Newby got his first goal for the club as he notched in from the goal line.

A good run out for a lot of the fringe players and young players. First half was disappointing but it was a very good performance in the second half as Rathbone, Morley and Brierley started to get their foot on the ball.

Some welcome competition money and 3 points to start the EFL Trophy campaign

FULL TIME: Morecambe 1-2 Rochdale

Photo: Action Images

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