League 1 Cup first round preview: Rochdale Hornets v South Wales Scorpions

For Rochdale coach Ian Talbot this first competitive game of the season can’t come soon enough.

“It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “When you finish the season with relegation you just want to get back on the horse as soon as possible. We’ve been kicking our heels a bit and are raring to go.

“I don’t know much about the Scorpions. We played against them in Championship One a couple of years ago. Obviously they are a totally different outfit now but there are one or two familiar faces.

“Connor Farrer, who is now the captain, is a quality player. He’s their main threat and has been for a couple of years so we’ll have to work on nullifying him. They’ve recruited through the off season, so it isn’t going to be and easy game.”

Mike Grady, the Scorpions coach said: “We are all looking forward to our first League 1 Cup game, although I’m under no illusions how tough of a task it will be playing away against a very good Rochdale side.

“The 17 we will select on the day will give no less than 100 per cent as it’s a big chance to stake their claim for the season. There are a potentially nine players going to make their debut at this level on Sunday.

“Rochdale have come down from the Championship and will be amongst the favourites to go back up. Ian Talbot has got a great squad and will have his boys fired up and ready to go.

“It will be a good test for us and will give our boys an indication of how tough life is going to be in this division.”