Latics lose derby at Rochdale

CONNOR RIPLEY . . . Made some excellent saves.

ROCHDALE 1, ATHLETIC 0

MATTY Lund's first-half goal made it a miserable derby-day for Athletic and their horde of travelling fans at Spotland.

The midfielder struck in the 40th minute to give the hosts a deserved lead, after team-mate Joe Bunney had earlier seen his free-kick brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Connor Ripley.

Freddie Ladapo tested Josh Lillis close to half-time but Athletic were simply not at the races in the opening period.

Stephen Robinson's side improved after the break and went close when substitute Billy Mckay headed over the angle of crossbar and post from a Paul Green cross.

Keith Hill's hosts were the more dangerous side, though, with Callum Camps' excellent volley tipped over by Ripley.

And the sad statistic is that Athletic, still 22nd in the table, have scored only nine goals in 16 league outings.