Rochdale 3 - 0 Newport

Rochdale v Newport

Rochdale put in their best performance of the season as they easily swept aside Newport at Spotland. A stunning strike from Peter Vincenti was followed up by Graham Cummins netting Dale’s second from close range. Josh Lillis then saved a second half penalty before substitute Bastien Hery finished the scoring just seconds after coming on.

Dale boss Keith Hill made four changes from the last league outing but just one change from the midweek game cup win at Port Vale. That meant a football league debut for Jamie Allen; a product of the Dale youth system. Leading scorer Scott Hogan missed out with a slight injury.

Rochdale were dominant from the first whistle and went in front in emphatic fashion through Peter Vincenti. He hit an unstoppable 40 yard shot which rattled in off the inside of the post for his first goal for the club.

Dale at times just toyed with their opponents as they stroked the ball around at ease and duly doubled their lead eight minutes before the interval. Ian Henderson picked up wide on the right before sliding the ball to Rafferty. The full back pulled the ball back in front of goal and when Allen’s shot hit the underside of the crossbar, Cummins was on hand to hammer home; another first goal in Dale colours.

As half time approached, Dale pressed forward for more but couldn’t breach the visitors goal.

Lund should have done better when played in by Allen but Pidgeley saved.

Vincenti whistled a volley narrowly wide.

A double change from Newport couldn’t quell Dale’s dominance.

Lund forced Pidgeley into a smart save and from the corner Cummins should have got his second of the day but somehow shot wide from seven yards out.

Referee Rushton offered Newport a route back into the game on the hour mark when he awarded a penalty after O’Connell was adjudged to have felled his man, although replays show he clearly got the ball. Justice was done when Josh Lillis saved Adam Chapman’s penalty with his feet.

The points were sealed through Hery. Seconds after replacing Allen, the Frenchman was picked out by Vincenti and he rounded the keeper to slot home his first goal since joining in the summer.

The visitors were looking a well beaten side and rarely threatened Lillis’ goal.

Henderson thought he’d made it four with 11 minutes left after he picked up on a short back pass and although he lifted the ball over the on rushing Pidgeley, his shot came back off the inside of the post.

Matty Lund again warmed the hands of the Newport stopper with a pile driver late on but couldn’t add to the tally.

It was as one-sided game as you will ever wish to see and with Dale in this kind of mood you would bet on them staying near to the top three.

Assistant manager Chris Beech spoke after the game: “We are a little disappointed we didn’t have more goals if I’m being honest.

"All this started in pre-season when we were in Tenerife, the way we want to play football. It’s a modern trait of football at the top end if you watch Champions League games. We want to bring that to our assault on League Two. I’m not saying we are Champions League side but when we get it right, it’s great when we get the accolades from opposition fans and players."

Atendance: 2,530

Rochdale: Lillis, Rose, Vincenti , O’Connell, Lancashire (c), Rafferty, Henderson, , Dicker, Cummins (Donnelly 82), Allen (Hery 71) Lund (Done 82)
Subs: (not used) Thomson, Eastham, Bennett, Bunney

Newport: Pidgeley, Pipe(c), Hughes (Jackson 46), Yakubu, Chapman, Minshull (Naylor 70), Crow, Zebroski, Willmott, Flynn (Washington 46), Worley
Subs: (not used): Stephens, James

Referee: Mr S Rushton
Assistant Reerees: Mr K Mattocks & Mr T Rogers
Fourth Official: Mr T Peart