Dale travelled to the seaside expecting a difficult match, against league leaders Blackpool, and so it proved to be. Against a strong wind in the first half, Dale took control and defended magnificently, restricting Blackpool to a few long shots which didn't trouble keeper Beth Walsh.

Dale's discipline and compactness was frustrating the home team and they always looked likely to score on the counter, with Coral O'Keefe working the front line well, and being superbly supported by Anna Genders and Fiona Reddin on the wings, and Lizzie Paul and Zoe Cooney through the middle.

On 24 minutes the visitors were awarded a freekick on the right. Sophie Barton whipped in the cross to the far side of the box, and found Fiona Reddin. She evaded a challenge and buried her shot into the bottom right hand corner to give Dale a deserved lead.

Blackpool were visibly rattled but couldn't breach Dale's defence with Lizzy Hamer, Dannielle Thorpe, Jenny Ashton and Ashley Grindrod covering every inch of ground to stifle the home attacks.  

With the wind at their backs in the 2nd half Rochdale pressed forward to try and increase their advantage, with Lizzie Paul and Danniella Walsh both going close after being set up intelligently by Candice Mather.

Blackpool were determined to claw their way back into the game and increased their tempo and physical presence. Dale were pushed onto the back foot but still defended resolutely, and once again looked dangerous on the counter, with Rhianne Ward-Hilton's powerful running causing problems.

With 13 minutes to go, Blackpool's left winger unleashed an unstoppable shot to level the scores.

Dale battled on but were gradually tiring, and with 5 minutes left, the ball was crossed to Blackpool's right winger just inside the box. Beth Walsh bravely came out to close her down, but couldn't stop her chip shot, which dropped agonisingly just inside the post.

Even then, Dale bravely tried to respond but couldn't find the equaliser.

This was a spirited and well drilled performance which bodes well for the remaining games to come.