Rochdale 3 - 2 Walsall

Rochdale v Walsall

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Dale picked up a third successive win as they beat Walsall 3-2 at Spotland.

The game started poorly for Keith Hill's men as Jon Macken gave Walsall a fourth minute lead, but in the 27th minute Josh Thompson turned home to equalise after a mistake by visiting 'keeper Jon Brain.

Brain made another fatal mistake just before half-time when he let a Chris O'Grady shot squirm through his body, with Anthony Elding tapping the ball in from on the line. But with Dale set to go into the break 2-1 up, Darren Byfield struck a screamer from 25 yards to level things with a shot that no 'keeper in the world would have saved.

Dale came out in the second half looking for their third win in a row, and in the 63rd minute were awarded a penalty, which Gary Jones, the man who was fouled, converted himself.

Then came a strange moment in the game. Craig Dawson appeared to have put Dale 4-2 up with a header from a corner, but only the referee and his assistant knew the goal had been ruled out as everyone celebrated a two goal cushion.

Dale managed to keep their heads in the final stages and saw off late Walsall pressure.