North End's reserves endured a disappointing evening at Rossendale, going down 3-0 against Rochdale in the first league match of the season.

A 25-yard screamer from left-winger Rory Prendergast got 'Dale on their way after 20 minutes before sloppy marking from a short corner allowed Kristian Bowden to double the lead with a close range header moments prior to the interval.

A few choice words at half time from reserve manager Billy Barr and the present Paul Simpson seemed to have raised PNE's game but again they were punished when they lost possession close to their own goal. Rochdale gained control on the right, worked the attack to Kallum Higginbotham, who scuffed the ball in from a few yards out midway through the second period.

With a strong first XI fielded from Preston, this was a chance for many fringe players to put themselves in contention for the game against Colchester on Saturday. The Lilywhites did come close however to getting back in the game but it was a luckless night in front of goal. A few opportunities were cleared off the line and Rochdale deservedly came away with the points from this game.

Following the full time whistle Billy Barr said: "We told them not to underestimate Rochdale because the coaches in charge there are massive on endeavour and heart.

"Once you start in the wrong frame of mind, it is very hard to turn things back round. You have to set yourself straight away in a manner as though it is a first team fixture. I thought we had got rid of the attitude last season that people view reserve team football as a punishment. Second half we didn't capitalise and we need to show more desire to score goals."

PNE: Lonergan, Hill, Jones, Chilvers, Collins, Neal, Appiah, Jarrett, Whaley, Hawley, Agyemang