Stevenage 4-2 Rochdale
Last updated on .From the section Football
Chris Beardsley scored twice as Stevenage beat Rochdale for their first ever home win in League One.
Craig Reid fired Boro in the lead from the edge of the area before Gary Jones levelled with a stunning 20-yard goal.
Beardsley tapped in a Lawrie Wilson cross from close range and then curled home from 20 yards.
Neal Trotman scored an own goal after a mix-up with keeper Jake Kean to make it 4-1 before debutant David Ball scored a consolation from the edge of the box.
VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Stevenage manager Graham Westley told BBC Three Counties Radio:
"It's always a nice albatross to get from around your neck when you post those first home three points. The crowd would have enjoyed the game I am sure.
"We were looser defensively than I would have liked for sure. We know we have to tighten up. They are in the frame of mind to develop, as we do here.
"A feature of (Chris) Beardsley's game is his work ethic, his ball retention and his willingness to get at the back of people with his pace. People don't recognise him as an out and out goalscorer and he is proving to be a handful. He has worked so hard on the training ground."
Rochdale manager Steve Eyre told BBC Radio Manchester:
"I don't think anyone could begrudge our effort today and at times our quality, but it's been an ongoing theme that we need to improve in both penalty areas.
"We've got a 19-year-old goalkeeper who is learning his trade and the centre-backs whoever have had the shirt throughout the first month haven't grabbed it with any venom to warrant a place.
"We don't see it as pressure, we just see something that is not quite right at the moment and it will make us try harder to get that performance and result."
