COLIN Woodthorpe's sweetly-struck shot on 73 minutes sent Rochdale to their third successive defeat.

It also provided a happy return to Spotland for former Rochdale boss Graham Barrow, the experienced hand now assisting Andy Preece at Gigg Lane.

"It was a fairly even contest although in fairness Rochdale didn't come to life until after we had scored.

"Although this competition doesn't really gain too much interest until its latter stages this is still a good win for us and it was important to build on our victory at the weekend. This could be the start of something if we continue to play to our potential.

"If you look at the players that the manager left out, it shows that we are starting to get a squad together. The lads have given an excellent account of themselves which stands us in good stead for the weeks and months to come.''

Dale player-boss Paul Simpson called for a back-to-basics performance from his side but they created little until after woeful defending had set Woodthorpe up.

When the home side finally began to create chances, Shakers keeper Glynn Garner kept them at bay with a string of saves to deny Simpson (twice) Gareth Griffifths and Patrick McCourt.

Rob Hulse scored a hat-trick as Crewe won 4-0 at Mansfield and Blackpool came from 2-0 to win 3-2 at Scunthorpe. Tweet