Kyle Vassell's goal snatched victory for Peterborough United and condemned Rochdale to a 1-0 opening day defeat in League One action this afternoon.
Peterborough's Conor Washington had the game's first real chance and forced a good save from Rochdale keeper Josh Lillis early on.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing then hit the underside of the crossbar for the visitors before Rhys Bennett was smartly denied by Ben Alnwick.
It was an exciting half, with Rochdale in particular playing some tidy football in front of their fans.
However they went behind on the hour mark after Vassell latched on to Washington's through ball to slot home.
Peterborough did well to close out the game from there, restricting Rochdale to half chances in their search for an equaliser.
Peter Vincenti came closest for Dale, but his header took a deflection and went narrowly over the top, meaning that Peterborough went home with the three points.
Benjamin Topliss
