Rochdale 1 - 1 Preston North End

Rochdale’s final warm up game on home soil ended in stalemate against League One side Preston North End. The visitors took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Tom Clarke’s looping header; the first time Hill’s side had gone behind in pre-season. Scott Hogan leveled seven minutes after the re-start with a close range finish after good work from George Donnelly.

In what looked a very strong starting 11 from the Dale boss, the home faithful perhaps saw a glimpse of what next week’s team-sheet will look like in the first game of the new season against Hartlepool. Goalkeeper Josh Lillis had Joe Rafferty, Oliver Lancashire, Jack O’Connell and Matty Done in front of him. A midfield made up of captain Peter Cavanagh, Matty Lund, Peter Vincenti and Ian Henderson with Scott Hogan and George Donnelly up front.

Against a strong Preston team, which included former Bolton Wanderers striker Kevin Davies, Rochdale held their own against their loftier opponents.

Chances were few and far between in the opening 45; former Dale trialist David Buchanan saw a low shot easily saved by Lillis whilst Donnelly was picked out perfectly by Rafferty but the strikers snap shot was straight at Rudd in the Preston goal.

With almost the last kick of the first half, Preston took the lead. A deep corner found an unmarked Clarke who looped a header over the Dale defence and into the net.

With Hill’s team-talk still fresh in their minds, Dale set about regaining parity.

Hogan crossed for Lund but his first time shot was bravely blocked.

Donnelly and Hogan's pace up front caused Preston problems and soon after the restart Dale were level. A bouncing ball into the area wasn’t dealt with by the visitors, which allowed Donnelly to hook the ball across goal with Hogan on hand to finish from inside the six yard box.

Preston didn’t really trouble Lillis for the remainder of the game.

Iain Hume shot just wide of the post whilst Davies headed over.

Dale made six substitutions throughout the remainder of the game with the fresh legs going close.

Andrew Tutte was denied by a smart Rudd save whilst Joe Bunney should have sealed the win when played in by Hery but the young striker was denied by Rudd when one-on-one.

It was another good work out for Dale who, one week away from the season start, look fresh and ready to go.

With a game at Winsford United on Monday (29 July) evening, preparations for the new season are all but complete.