Nathaniel Mendez-Laing double fires Rochdale to victory
Rochdale avenged their FA Cup exit at the hands of Bury as they strolled to a comfortable 3-0 win in the Greater Manchester derby at Spotland.
Keith Hill had never beaten his former number two David Flitcroft, now boss of Bury, in three previous meetings but his side never looked back after taking the lead in the 11th minute. Donal McDermott's cross from the left found Ian Henderson and though his effort was blocked, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing seized on the loose ball and slotted home.
The home side doubled their advantage on 18 minutes when Mendez-Laing capitalised on a mistake in the Shakers defence between goalkeeper Ian Lawlor and Peter Clarke, nipping in between the pair to nick the ball and convert his second.
Clarke was thankful to Lawlor when he kept out the experienced defender's wild clearance with a fine block with his legs while the Bury keeper also saved McDermott's swerving effort.
The game was effectively up for Bury in the 53rd minute when ex-Shakers defender Ashley Eastham rose highest to head Michael Rose's corner past Lawlor for Dale's third.
Substitute Sean Clare added some spark for Bury, testing Josh Lillis with a rising drive and later teeing up Craig Jones, who was also denied by the Dale goalkeeper. But Rochdale deservedly took the spoils and the 3-0 scoreline did not flatter them.
Source: PA
