ROCHDALE’s preparations for the new season continued on Tuesday evening as Keith Hill’s side fought out a goalless draw against Stockport County at Spotland.

Given the fact these two teams met less than two months ago in a match with everything hanging on its outcome, this was a strange choice of opponent for Rochdale and not one which captured the imagination.

In fairness, the date had originally been pencilled in for a friendly against Everton but when that bit the dust, the Hatters stepped in and from manager Hill’s point of view, the workout against a strong County line-up proved far more valuable that last Saturday’s stroll in the park against Rossendale.

As a preparatory training exercise, it ticked all the boxes for the management team even if, as a spectacle, it offered little in the way of excitement.

On the evidence of this showing, Stockport will find it more difficult to overcome the blow of losing Matt Dickinson than Dale will the loss of David Perkins.

Admittedly, County started with Matty McNeil in attack and left new signing Peter Thompson out of the squad, but it will be interesting to see how they cope without their talismanic frontman.

Ciaran Toner gave an excellent account of himself alongside Gary Jones in the centre of midfield and with Clark Keltie arguably ahead of the former Grimsby man in the pecking order, things look good for Dale in the middle.

Similarly, the defensive unit appears a point of genuine strength, though Tom Kennedy had one or two lapses in concentration and gave a square ball across his own 25-yard line which could have been costlier had McNeil made the most of the opportunity

County had the better attempts in the first half, John Mullins twice having efforts cleared off the line, but the best attempt of the night came in the second period when Jones teed up Toner on the edge of the box and his fine effort clipped the top of the crossbar.

Tommy Rowe should have done better with a lofted shot soon after.

Keltie played a steady cameo, though the player who really caught the eye was Raph Evans, who put in one particularly well-timed challenge on Anthony Pilkington.

The Hatters player felt the tackle was a little strong for a friendly and late on the game grew increasingly niggly.

Chris Dagnall had a late attempt saved but a goal was beyond the two teams on the night – leaving two contented defences.

Dale were expecting a sterner test again when they took to the field against Bolton Wanderers at Spotland last night.

Click on the video window to see highlights of Rochdale v Stockport, plus other local pre-season friendlies.

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