RUTHLESS DALE POSE PILGRIMS PROBLEMS

EVANTE Rodney's double D helped Rochdale saunter a comfortable opening day success against a Boston United side playing at their highest level for 17 years.

- Christian James

Boston boss Ian Culverhouse felt his side were "too respectful" to a "really top side"; identifying the need for his Pilgrims to "learn very, very quickly" the after making "massive jump" up to the top tier.

With Dale's Tobi Adebayo-Rowling and Tarryn Allarakhia particularly bright for Dale, the Pilgrims suffered from lapses at key moments, handing Rodney his brace and stifling the enthusiasm of a bumper crowd.

After a strong opening quarter hour, the National League newcomers fell behind, caught waiting for an assistant's flag which was not forthcoming. The Boston defence stood stationary as Rodney latched on to Harvey Gilmour's straight pass to waltz around the totally exposed Cameron Gregory and poke into an empty net.