Rochdale 1-1 Preston North End (Preston won 4-2 on penalties)

Rochdale went out on penalties of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in the Quarter final (Northern Section) stage after the game against Preston ended 1-1. North End Keeper Thorsten Stuckman was the Lillywhite’s hero as he saved 3 spot kicks to help his side progress.

Under pressure Dale boss Steve Eyre had to shuffle his pack as injuries and unavailability meant he only had 3 recognisable defenders in his squad so midfielder Brian Barry-Murphy filled in at left back. New signing Harry Bunn was given his full debut whilst Nathan Eccleston and Jean Louis Akpa-Akpro also started.

The first chance of the game fell to the home side when Darby’s wicked cross was headed out to Jason Kennedy whose dipping volley grazed the top of the bar.

Visiting skipper Ian Ashby warmed the hands of Dave Lucas with a rasping volley but the Dale stopper got 2 hands behind the shot and pushed it over the bar.

Home debutant Bunn, son of assistant manager Frank, was a real menace for the visitors. Some great football from Dale ended with a ball into Bunn but his turn and shot was off target.

At the other end, McLaughlin tested Lucas with a first time shot whilst the Dale stopper had to be alert to block Mayor’s goal bound effort.

Phil Brown’s side really should have taken the lead on 33 minutes but Tsoumou’s header from 6 yards was off target with just Lucas to beat although the deadlock was broken just 60 seconds later. Forte’s header back across the Dale goal found Barton who had time to control before slamming the ball past Lucas for 1-0.

After the goal, Dale looked vulnerable to the North End attack. Gary Jones cleared a shot off the line whilst Forte’s glancing header went across the face of goal and wide whilst McLaughlin was again denied by Lucas after his shot, via a deflection, was tipped around the post.

Dale started the second half the better. Holness’ stinging volley went just wide as Eyre’s men signalled their intent and got back on level terms just 7 minutes after the restart. A quick freekick by Barry-Murphy into the feet of Bunn on the edge of the area didn’t look too threatening until the on loan Manchester City strikers exquisite turn and shot nestled into the bottom corner.

The whole atmosphere inside Spotland changed as Dale went in search of a winner. Akpa-Akpro picked off a diagonal cross field pass by Darby but his shot was pushed out by Stuckmann whilst the same duo combined again but Morgan got back to block the Frenchman’s goal-ward shot.

Visiting substitute Luke Clark sent a vicious drive wide in the last real chance of the 90 meaning the tie would be settled by penalties.

Gary Jones netted first for Dale whilst Parry scored for Preston. Andrew Tutte had his spot kick saved with Nicholson netting to take the lead. Grimes scored his at the second attempt after keeper Stuckmann was adjudged to have encroached Grimes’ first kick. Alexander kept North End in front and after Stuckmann superbly saved Barry-Murphy’s spot kick Luke Clark stepped up to send Preston through to the next round.

It was a much improved performance by Steve Eyre’s men who will take heart from their second half performance. With Bradford up next in the FA Cup, maybe the Cup break is just what the doctor ordered as the Spotland outfit look to get their season back on track.

Rochdale: Lucas, Darby, Holness, Jordan, Barry-Murphy, Jones, Akpa-Akpro, Kennedy, Bunn (Adams 75), Eccleston (Grimes 80), Tutte

Subs (not used): Edwards, Gray, Benali

Preston: Stuckman, McLaughlin (Alexander 90), Ashbee (c)(Clark), Carlisle, Morgan, Nicholson, Tsoumou, Barton, Mayor, Parry, Forte

Subs (not used:Gray, Arestidou, Zibaka

Referee: Mr A Haines
Ass Referee: Mr A Hutchinson, Mr M Jones
4th Official:Mr J Whiteley