Neil Wood's XI included six players eligible for the Under-18s, with 16-year-old Isak Hansen introduced off the bench, while Rochdale fielded some experienced campaigners in a competition that is both enjoyable and beneficial.
It is generally accepted that this season will be a steep learning curve for a young group but, following the 6-0 win at Salford City in the previous Group B fixture, this was probably just as pleasing, in some respects, as the boys managed to keep another clean sheet in the 0-0 draw, before coming out on top in a penalty shoot-out to claim a bonus point.