City hammer Dale for six

A crowd of 9,000 took officials by surprise causing a 30 minute delay in the kick off time. The delay seemed to upset Rochdale more than City who lined up without several of their higher profile players but could still field a weakened side that included four or five that harbour ambitions to be in the starting line up at Leeds.

City took an early lead through Chris Shuker who turned provider for the second, a Lucien Mettomo header. Darren Huckerby continued to press his claim to start the season as first choice with Anelka, when he netted City’s third. Vicente Vuoso made it four before the break.

Dale changed their tactics after the break but failed to stem the flow of the City attacks. Vuoso got a second to make it five before Shuker rounded off a fine display with his second and the teams sixth just before time.

City now travel to Tranmere this evening for their final warm up fixture with Kevin Keegan himself rumoured to be putting in an appearance on the pitch, if so consider tonight’s game as more of a bit of fun than serious friendly.

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