Dale's final home game of the preseason campaign ended in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Barnsley.

A sun drenched Spotland saw a number of changes from the Middlesbrough game, with a start for trialist Ntlhe (pictured above).

Starting XI: Lillis, Brown, Ntlhe, Keane, Canavan, Williams, Camps, Allen, Inman, Andrew, ,Henderson. Formation wise, it wasn't a million miles from the way we played against Middlesbrough, with Andrew arguably further forward than Williams was in that game.

First half didn't bring much of note, and was typical preseason fayre. Some nice interplay from both sides, but little with a cutting edge, and chances were never anything more than half chances. Our best effort saw a Camps long range shot dip wickedly as it did at Oldham that time, but a late reaction from the keeper was enough to see it out.

Half time brought lots of changes for Barnsley, and none for us. The game followed in a similar pattern to the first half, and whilst we thought we'd scored through Andrew at one point, the linesman flag maintained the goalless scoreline.

We had another chance to score in which it seemed two or three players fluffed an easy chance. But it was Barnsley who took the lead after Lillis failed to hold on to the ball and it was bundled home.

Barnsley looked good on the break and passed it around well in our half, and that led to their second goal with what was the last kick of the game. Keane lost out and Canavan failed with his rescue act

Photo: Action Images

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