Rochdale 2 Latics 1

Last updated : 25 July 2007 By The Chairman

The Latics lost the tussle with local neighbours Rochdale at Spotland in the annual Rose Bowl challenge. After a goal-less first half, Dale took an early second half lead through Adam Le Fondre after Stam had brought down Dagnall for an obvious penalty. Dagnall almost scored moments later but Crossley was alert enough to tip away his header. Dale were unlucky not to increase their lead but Crossley was on hand again to deny Dagnall and then he forced away a Prendergast shot that had goal written all over it.

The Latics turned on the style and forced a trio of corners and from the third, Stam fired a header into the bottom corner to level the scores. Gary McDonald was unlucky with a close range effort but then Alessandra set him up but he shot wide from 20 yards out. It was starting to look like penalties again but Dagnall settled matters with a goal just before the end. McDonald could have taken the glory in the dying seconds but he headed strait at Spencer.

Debutant Michael Ricketts looked promising and looked like he could be a force to be reckoned with in the coming season. Alan Wright played the full game and looked like he might be worth another outing as he showed flashes of good positional play with some useful centres. Craig Davies also showed some inspirational pieces of play. Manager John Sheridan should not be too downhearted as the overall play was promising, particularly in the second half.