By Chris O'Brien
September 6 2004

A young United reserve side put in an impressive performance to cruise to victory over Rochdale in the Pontins Holiday Combination League. Chris Eagles, Kieran Richardson and summer signing Giuseppe Rossi were the scorers for the Red Devils during the 3-1 home victory at Ewen Fields. Manchester United's reserves continued their excellent start to the season with a 3-1 victory over Lancastrian rivals Rochdale in the Pontins Holiday Combination League.

Those in attendance at Hyde United's Ewen Fields, home of the Red Devils in this league, could well have seen the future of Manchester United all get on the scoresheet. Chris Eagles, Kieran Richardson and summer signing Giuseppe Rossi are three of the brightest talents at the club and all netted as the hosts secured victory.

Midfielder Eagles opened the scoring after only 70 seconds knocking the ball home from a Richardson corner. Rossi then doubled the advantage with a fantastic strike following a great run through the visitors' defence, before Richardson secured the points 20 minutes from time. Lee Briscoe's goal for Rochdale in the closing stages was meagre consolation.

This was a great result for United with Rochdale having eight first-team squad members in their reserve side as they took on a young Reds outfit. However, United were always a yard quicker and some great performances from the eager-to-impress youngsters left 'Dale with no chance.

Full Time - Manchester United Reserves 3-1 Rochdale Reserves

United: Steele, Picken, Tierney, Howard, McShane (Pique 46), Ngalula, Eagles, Jones.R, Heath, Rossi (Neumayr 68), Richardson (Martin 69).
Substitutes: Collett, Heaton, Neumayr.