A good performance saw Dale come from behind to beat Blackburn 2-1 with both goals coming from Ian Henderson.

As far as we are concerned, the mass change element of friendlies has come to a close and it's about preparing for that first game of the season. Whilst not a first choice side, it was at least a potential starting eleven:

Lillis, Cannon, Tanser, Lancashire, McNulty, Lund, Allen, Vincenti, McDermott, Henderson, Bunney.

We went one nil down early in the first half, when a sloppy pass by McNulty allowed in the Rovers striker to fire one past Lillis. Not to be outdone, we fought back and it seemed only a matter of time before Henderson would get on the scoresheet after a number of opportunities including his regular striking of the woodwork. His goal came via a Jamie Allen pass which was a feature of much of the night.

We had the better of the play throughout and were edging the chance but it looked like it was going to finish at 1-1 before a superb run and cross by Noble-Lazarus saw Henderson with a mere tap in to wrap it up for Dale.

Thinking points from tonight:

* Jamie Allen must be odds on to be our player of the season this year. He was different class, and it's frightening to think he's still only 20. His control, vision and passing ability defies his years.

* An injury to Matt Lund was a sour point of the evening. He injured his right knee midway through the second half. His performances in pre-season have been very good as he put the nightmare of last season behind him, but this injury is certainly a worry.

* Donal McDermott looks to have plenty of potential. In my head, I'd put him in a similar category to Jack Muldoon, but he looks to have far more about him. He did a little too much at times, but he's not here to just make up the numbers.

Photo: Action Images

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