CHORLEY suffered a 4-0 friendly defeat to Rochdale at Victory Park on Tuesday night as they continued their preparations for the new National League North season.

The Magpies faced a strong Dale outfit who ran out comfortable winners thanks to a hat-trick from a trialist and a Steven Davies strike.

Matt Jansen's men contained the visitors for the opening half hour with Josh Wilson testing Dale keeper Brad Wade but they fell behind on 35 minutes and it was 2-0 four minutes after the break.

Wilson was looking the most likely for Chorley before Terry Gornell hit the post only for the League One side to then counter and make the game safe at 3-0.

Marcus Carver had a late chance for the hosts before Davies wrapped up the scoring in the final few minutes.

Meanwhile, former Ramsbottom United forward Donal McDermott has left Rochdale to join League Two newcomers Swindon Town.

Elsewhere in midweek, Barnoldswick Town were 1-0 winners over Skelmersdale United thanks to a Zack Dale goal while Darwen drew 2-2 with an Accrington Stanley XI and Nelson suffered a 1-0 reverse at home to Lancaster City.