Super Rochdale walking on Eyre

ROCHDALE reached the third round of the Carling Cup with a superb 2-0 victory over Premier League new boys QPR at Loftus Road.

It was the first time since 1962 that the npower League One club have advanced beyond the second round — but there was nothing fortuitous about last night’s result.

Going into the game on the back of Saturday’s derby defeat at Athletic, an early strike by Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro lifted Rochdale’s confidence and by the time skipper Gary Jones doubled their advantage on 82 minutes, the visitors were good value for the victory.

In between the two goals, Rochdale proved more than a match for their hosts, leaving boss Steve Eyre delighted.

“We’re overjoyed with that result,” said Eyre. “We were hanging on a bit for a time during the second half, but the breakaway goal from Gary Jones just killed it.”