Le Fondre raring to find the net

Photo: Jon Coluccio

Adam Le Fondre impressed in a half hour cameo coming from the substitute's bench against Barnet on Saturday.

Dale striker Adam Le Fondre is chomping at the bit to get his name on the score sheet after fellow strikers Chris Dagnall and Jon Shaw both hit the net in Dale's 3-1 win over Barnet at the weekend.

The 21-year old striker has found himself among the substitutes for the last two games but has impressed when coming off the bench in both games and was unfortunate not to score at least one goal during his cameo against the Bees.

The ex-Stockport man was Dale's top scorer last season and his goals were crucial in getting Dale to the play-offs. His manager Keith Hill sees no reason why it should be any different this term and insists that Le Fondre's chance will come.

Hill said after the game on Saturday: "Adam hasn't sulked. His attitude is spot on and there will be times when he will be picked ahead of Chris and Jon.

Meanwhile Hill has been pleased with Dale's displays so far, the win against Barnet following a defeat to Oldham on penalties in the Carling Cup and a goaless draw at Grimsby on opening day, two games in which the performances were better than the result.

Hill continued: "I've been encouraged by everything I have seen so far and I'm very encouraged by the whole squad.

"There is good competition for places but also a lot of trust among the players and staff that we are going in the right direction.

"It's only early days but I am very encouraged by what I have seen so far. The performances have been good. I'm pleased with the way we are passing and looking to be creative. There is no fear."

The Dale boss is now looking forward to this weekend's trip to Bradford City, who have won both of their opening fixtures, and there would be no better place for Le Fondre to open his account that a Valley Parade, where he came off the bench to hit a last minute winner last season.