For the second game running, Chester FC lost 1-0 to a team from League One with an impressive Rochdale side providing them with a strenuous examination.
In the first-half, Keith Hill's side looked a cut above weekend opponents Oldham Athletic, zipping the ball around the pitch and creating a number of scoring chances.
Chester couldn't get close enough to the visitors with Joseph Rafferty, one-time Chester City defender Michael Rose, Callum Camps and James Hooper testing fit-again Jon Worsnop.
With half-time approaching, the Blues almost took the lead when Ross Hannah broke through and chipped keeper Josh Lillis but his shot clipped the crossbar and went over.
As seems to be the norm in pre-season, Rochdale fielded a different 11 after the break and only an excellent stop from trialist keeper Ian Ormson prevented Reuben Noble-Lazarus giving them the lead a minute into the second-half.
Following a treble change on the hour, Chester started to get on top with John Rooney going close and Kane Richards hitting the post from a tight angle.
Rochdale struck the winner against the run of the game on 82 minutes as a defensive mistake allowed Ian Henderson to loft a shot over the helpless Ormson.
Talking points
Tactical thinking: Rochale's three-man midfield exposed the big downside of 4-4-2, forcing the Blues to change tactics after 20 minutes. Chester won't be facing teams of this standard in the National League, but having the extra man allowed the visitors to control matters with Luke George and John Rooney outnumbered. It would be foolish to read too much into things given the opposition but the manager has some food for thought.
Dale Tonge: The 30-year-old trialist made a positive impression on Steve Burr in his first outing and produced another solid. Don't expect him to race up the sideline like Ryan Higgins, but reads the game well and keeps things simple. Tonge would bring valuable experience to the squad and his versatility would be helpeful. The important question might be whether his wages fit into what the club can done and whether that represents best use of the manager's tight budget.
Match facts
Chester FC: Worsnop (Ormson 46), Tonge, Heneghan, Sharps (Kay 46), Hunt (Liddle 82), Mahon (Thomson 60), George (Hughes 78), Rooney, Chapell (Richards 60), Hannah (Peers 60), Hobson (Shaw 46).
Subs: Heath.
Rochdale first-half: Lillis, Rafferty, Kisimba, Barry-Murphy, Rose, Lund, Camps, Hooper, McDermott, Alessandra, Hasler-Cregg.
Rochdale second-half: Diba, Cannon, Lancashire, Kennedy, Tanser, Allen, Noble-Lazarus, Andrew, Bunney, Vincenti, Henderson.
Subs: Bell.
Goal: Henderson 82.
Referee: David McNamara (Preston).
Attendance: 872.
Star man: John Rooney.
Verdict
Two games into pre-season and Chester boss Steve Burr will be encouraged at what he has seen on the whole.
No doubt the manager would want his team to have created more in forward areas but defences from two divisions higher don't give much change as last season's two FA Cup games with Barnsley demonstrated.
Rochdale's goal came from a mistake but that apart, the Blues again defended well against a strong League One side, although at times in the first-half were overrun in midfield.
If the visitors bossed the opening 45 minutes, it was Chester who had the upper hand in the second period.
There are pleasing signs from the new signings with Ian Sharps and Jonny Hunt the pick so far, John Rooney giving a reminder of what he can do when on song and Kane Richards catching the eye once more.
