Dale returned from the Scouse Seaside with a victory in their first friendly match on English soil in what was an entertaining work out for Steve Eyre's men.

No point doing a normal report for a game like this (or most of the games in the past season obviously), but a few bits that stemmed from this game.

Our team throughout the afternoon was as follows (I think): Howard, Darby (Fagbola), Widdowson, Trotman (Holness), Twaddle, Jarret (Marshall), Kennedy (Tutte), Jones (Gray), Adams, Grimes (Hackney), O'Grady (Akpa Akpro).

Dale took the lead in the second half, when Ashley Grimes flicked home a Paul Marshall free kick. The home side equalised through a clear penalty that the ref seemed unwilling to award, before a superb lob by Simon Hackney secured the win for Dale.

Few observations and thoughts taken from this afternoon:

* Neal Trotman has the potential to be a wonderful signing. He slotted in wonderfully at the back, and seemed to have a bit of everything. Very vocal throughout and when the ball hits his head, it goes miles.

* Ashley Grimes looks to be another fantastic capture. He seems to have wonderful vision and if our players start gambling that touch more, he'll be able to pull the strings and allow us to take full advantage. Great header for the opening goal.

* Marc Twaddle looked somewhat unsteady at centre half and may find himself pushed out by Marcus Holness and it could be that he returns to his left back position for regular football with Dale.

* Paul Marshall provided both goals with two excellent balls. No doubting his quality on the ball, but he seems to have a pedestrian style that might not see him get the opportunity in the hustle and bustle in League One to create the opportunities that he did today. There's something there.

* Jason Jarret played very well in front of the back four. Jamie Redknapp would no doubt come out with that ridiciulous phrase about it being the quarterback position. Shut up Jamie. The back point of a midfield diamond, and he did that job very well. He was many people's man of the match for the first half.

* The Southport number 10 has bags of energy but was very lucky to stay on the pitch after two or three challenges that were ridiculous for a friendly. He could have had no complaints had he been sent off or been the subject of an enforced substitution. There was talk that we've been linked with this lad and it could have been a case of him being over enthusiastic.

* Bizarre change by Southport at half time. A whole new team in a completely different kit. It wasn't even the same shade of yellow.

* Rather amusing moment in the 2nd half when the ice baths were assembled pitch side by Jack the Kitman only to see 2 or 3 Dale supporters strip off and dive in.

 * Good number of Dale supporters in attendance - somewhere between 300 and 400 I would estimate at.

Photo: Action Images

Cleedale added 19:22 - Jul 16 Thanks Col - you are the OS!
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qlrken05 added 21:32 - Jul 16 Thanks Col - Now Tuesday can't come soon enough. Come on the DALE.
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Shun added 00:54 - Jul 17 "Shut up Jamie" - Thank you.
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