Peterborough United 1 - 2 Rochdale

Want to buy this photo?

Joe Bunney opened the scoring for Rochdale

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing scored against his former side to help Rochdale earn a first win against Peterborough since 1990.

Joe Bunney opened the scoring when he slotted home from close range from a Donal McDermott centre before Mendez-Laing doubled Dale’s advantage when he capitalised after Bunney’s shot was blocked on the line.

Peterborough full back Michael Smith halved the deficit with a low shot from outside the area and although Peterborough pressed for an equaliser in the second half, Rochdale saw out the game to keep their slim play-off hopes alive.

Niall Canavan was missing after picking up a slight injury in training on Friday so Olly Lancashire got a rare start with Joe Bunney preferred up front ahead of Grant Holt.

The early stages were dictated by Rochdale and they went close on a couple of occasions. Mendez-Laing was thwarted by Ben Alnwick when played in by McDermott whilst a Matt Lund snap shot was well saved.

The opening goal came after a great cross by McDermott; Bunney was on hand to fire home from close range for his eighth goal of the season.

Peterborough seemed to wake up after going behind with Josh Lillis making a double save from Tom Nichols whilst defender Jack Baldwin saw his thunderous 40 yard shot palmed away.

Lillis’ saves proved vital as soon after Dale doubled their lead. Bunney’s drive into the area saw him make space for a shot that was blocked on the line by Baldwin but Mendez-Laing was on hand to slam home to silence the boos he’d received from his former fans.

Dale looked in full control but were rocked when Michael Smith fired home from 22 yards. The full back drilled into the bottom corner giving Lillis no chance.

Dale should have extended their lead in first half stoppage time, but Michael Rose fired horribly over from seven yards out when picked out by Bunney.

The second half saw Peterborough put pressure on the Dale defence - Harry Beautyman beat the offside trap but fired weakly at Lillis.

Ben Alnwick pulled off a brilliant save when he tipped away a Joe Bunney header that looked destined to nestle in the bottom corner.

Lillis was again needed at the other end to beat away Forrester’s swerving drive.

The Dale keeper was brave when he saved at the feet of Tom Nichols when the striker was clean through.

Dale comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to move onto 61 points but due to other results they remain seven points adrift of the top six.

Attendance: 4,785 (199 from Rochdale)

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, Eastham, Lancashire, McNulty, Rose, Lund, Allen (c), McDermott (Holt 71), Mendez-Laing (Vincenti 70), Bunney (Syers 87)
Subs: (not used) Collis, Cannon, Kennedy, Camps

Peterborough: Alnwick, Smith, Baldwin, Bostwick (c), Fox (Coulthirst 78), Taylor (Samuelson 63), Forrester, Maddison, Beautyman ( Oztumer 63), Nichols, Angol
Subs: (Tyler, Santos, Gillett, Williams

Referee: Mr F Graham
Assistants: Mr C Husband and Mr A Tankard
Fourth Official: Mr A Dale