A chance for Rochdale to show just how far they've come?

New-season optimism and the post-promotion glow filled the Wirral air as Dale fans made their way over the M62 and across the River Mersey in their hundreds to see their new era kick off.

A helter-skelter 90 minutes and a shambolic penalty shoot-out later, they made the reverse journey victorious and with a place in the Carabao Cup main draw secured.

What was evident is that, naturally, things were still very much coming together under Ian Watson – there were glimpses of things that could thrill supporters, but also plenty of the traits that would go on to frustrate them.