City put in a solid performance to claim a 1-1 draw at Rochdale in possibly their sternest pre-season test.

An energetic start saw Robbie Threlfall's well-struck effort saved by Josh Lillis, while Gareth Evans pulled another chance wide.

At the opposite end Jason Kennedy tested Jon McLaughlin with a couple of fizzing long-range efforts while Chris O'Grady wasted a glorious chance when he failed to control inside the box.

But the match came alive after the break and City took the lead when half-time substitute Louis Moult marked his debut with a goal, latching onto a through ball to fire confidently into the far corner.

Rochdale hit back swiftly when O'Grady slotted home amid chaotic scenes in the penalty area and the hosts could easily have taken the lead.

Awarded a penalty when Lewis Hunt bundled over Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro, they were denied by McLaughlin, the City keeper making a superb save from O'Grady's spot kick.

Neither team looked particularly likely to claim the win after that, although Tom Adeyemi forced Lillis into a super save late on.

CITY: McLaughlin (Elliott 76), Ramsden (Hunt 46), Rehman, Oliver (Duff 46), Threlfall (Harrison 76), Bullock, Adeyemi, O'Brien, Daley (Speight 46), Evans (Moult 46), Neilson.

Att: 968