ROCHDALE boss Steve Parkin elected to leave out several key players and could have no complaints as his side bowed out of the LDV Vans Trophy.

"It was the kind of game we expected but it is important that players in the squad get a game because fixtures in our reserve league are so spasmodic. You can't keep a squad happy if players aren't getting a game.

"I'm not happy that we lost but the players did at least give their all. We've defended poorly on two occasions and been punished once.''

After a totally forgettable first half in which Dale's Ernie Cooksey missed the only decent chance things livened up after the break with the introduction of Chester striker Michael Branch.

The home side took the lead on 55 minutes when the Dale defence missed an in swinging corner and defender Sean Hessey poked home at the far post.

Dale keeper Matt Gilks made two good saves to keep his side in the game whilst Branch thudded a 20-yard drive against the crossbar during the home side's best period of pressure.

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