The BURKS

A two-goal salvo from Bradden Inman inside the opening 22 minutes proved to be enough to secure an opening day 2-1 victory for Rochdale at Burton.

The former Peterborough midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Spotland, opened his account in the 10th minute by driving home a first-time effort from the edge of the box after an astute knock-down from Arron Wilbraham.

Dale continued in a positive mood after grabbing the lead and they were rewarded in the 22nd minute as Henderson led a swift counter-attack down the left, squaring the ball to Inman, who took a touch to compose himself before slotting home.

Albion, still smarting from their agonising relegation in the final minutes last season, saw their best efforts come from Marvin Sordell, who was denied three times by Josh Lillis in the Dale goal.

But there was nothing that the Dale keeper could do when Liam Boyce converted from close range in the 71st minute after Lucas Akins' shot had been parried into his path.