Dale’s cup campaign off to winning start against local rivals

ROCHDALE kicked off their Checkatrade Trophy Northern Group B campaign with a 2-1 victory against derby rivals Bury at the Crown Oil Arena.

Zach Clough, the Nottingham Forest striker who signed a loan deal at Dale last week, marked his debut for the club with the opening goal on 17 minutes. Collecting the ball on the left of the area, he struck a low drive across Bury keeper Mathew Hudson and into the bottom corner of the net.

Three minutes later the advantage was doubled. Luke Matheson, at 15 Dale’s youngster-ever player, had a hand in the build-up and it was another teenager, Matty Gillam, who poked the ball wide of Hudson.

With boss Ryan Lowe serving the second of a two-game stadium ban, Shakers assistant manager Rob Kelly made a couple of changes at the interval and his side were better after the break.

Caolan Lavery reduced the arrears midway through the second half from the spot having been tripped in the area.

The on-loan Sheffield United frontman sent Dale stopper Magnus Norman the wrong way with his penalty to revive Bury hopes.

Dale almost restored their two-goal lead when Oliver Rathbone drove through on goal only to see his shot beaten away by Hudson.

In Group F, Oldham lost out at home 2-1 to Barnsley, while in Group C the clash between Macclesfield and Blackpool finished 3-3, taking the tie to penalties – with the Silkmen eventually running out 5-3 winners.

In the National League, Salford City picked up a 2-0 win on the road at AFC Fylde.