Rochdale hold off Tranmere to win at Prenton Park

A double from captain Ian Henderson helped Rochdale on their way to a 3-2 opening-day win at 10-man Tranmere in Sky Bet League One.

Brian Barry-Murphy’s men led on 12 minutes after Callum Camps was brought down in the box by Sid Nelson, with forward Henderson sending Scott Davies the wrong way from 12 yards.

The visitors then doubled their advantage with 48 minutes played, when Henderson lofted a right-footed shot from the left side of the area over Davies and into the top-right corner.

Substitute Morgan Ferrier twice went close to pulling one back for Rovers, heading just wide from Kieron Morris’ cross before hitting the post with a low strike.

Rochdale’s third goal at Prenton Park came through Rhys Norrington-Davies in the 68th minute, profiting from Camps’ pass inside the box to dispatch with the outside of his left boot under Davies.

Stephen Dooley’s own goal saw Tranmere reduce the deficit, before Connor Jennings’ stoppage-time strike narrowed the gap further.

Rushian Hepburn-Murphy was then sent off for the hosts as Dale held on for the three points.