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Rossendale United 0-6 Rochdale

by John Hill at Dark Lane
22/ 7/2008

Rochdale got their first pre-season friendly on English soil off to a flyer, disposing of Rossendale United 6-0 at Dark Lane.

Adam Le Fondre gave Keith Hill plenty to think about over his preferred strikers after notching four goals in a one-way contest.

It was the first chance for the Dale faithful to take a look at the new faces in the camp and all four of Keith Hill’s summer signings made the starting line up.

Rochdale started the game very bright and there was no sign of jet lag from their Marbella trip as they went after the Rossendale defence from the opening whistle.

An early Adam Rundle corner nearly gave Rochdale the lead when a fantastic delivery found the unmarked Le Fondre who headed just wide. But it wasn’t long after that Le Fondre got the better of Lee Bracey in the Rossendale goal. Will Buckley, who had a fantastic game down the right wing, crossed into the box and there didn’t seem to be any danger from the cross when Bracey caught the ball in the air. However, it slipped out of his hands and landed at the feet of Le Fondre, giving him the softest goal he will score this season.

Le Fondre, pictured, was getting some fantastic service from the Rochdale wings. Strike partner Jon Shaw found him free in the box and, unmarked, Le Fondre headed what looked a certain goal only for Bracey to make up for his previous mistake by producing a terrific one handed save.

New boys Clark Keltie and Ciaran Toner looked very solid in the heart of midfield. Keltie was very composed with the ball and always looking to bring others into play.

Rochdale’s large hold on possession was made to count 20 minutes into the game when they doubled their lead. Shaw, who scored 20 goals for a struggling Halifax side last season, showed he knew where the back of the net was, curling home from the edge of the area.

Shaw had a great chance to add a second minutes later when he rose highest to meet Keltie’s corner, but the ball flew just over the Rossendale bar.

On the half-hour mark Le Fondre used his fantastic vision to pick out Buckley on the wing. Buckley showed great pace to steal a yard on the Rossendale defence and broke into the box, but his shot was straight at Bracey.

Chances came quick and fast for Rochdale before the break. Nine minutes from half time the ball broke out of the penalty area to Rundle who tried his luck from 25 yards, his shot narrowly going wide.

A third Rochdale goal did arrive seconds before the interval. Yet again Le Fondre was there to pounce on a Bracey mistake in the host’s goal. Buckley shot straight at Bracey who parried straight into the path of Le Fondre who obliged for his second.

Keith Hill made just one change at half time, Kallum Higginbotham replacing Rundle on the left wing.

Higginbotham looked very bright in the second half and was involved in some great link up play with Shaw and Buckley.

Twenty minutes into the half Tom Kennedy broke down the left wing before crossing for Higginbotham at the far post, and his header hit the inside of the bar, bouncing on the line. Le Fondre reacted before anyone to pounce on the ball and snatch his hat-trick.

Buckley, who had a fine afternoon on the right wing, got the goal he deserved eight minutes from time. He carried the ball down the left-hand side into the box and was very composed in switching onto his right foot and finishing neatly.

There was no good fortune in Le Fondre’s fourth goal. This was of real class as the striker, with his back to goal, improvised well to lift the ball over his head and into the Rossendale goal. Although Rossendale were never in the same class as Rochdale, Keith Hill could be very pleased with the performance from his side which could have produced a cricket score another day.

CASTLETON Gabriels under 16s start pre-season training tomorrow, 6.30pm at Springfield Park.

New players are welcome, in particular any goalkeepers! Contact Paul for further details on 01706 358589.

Sunday Premier League champions Copper Pot report for pre-season training tomorrow at Lowerplace.

New players welcome, for further information call 352239 or 07752 231124.