Oxford United 3 - 0 Rochdale

Rochdale’s six game unbeaten run came crashing down with this comprehensive defeat in their final away game of the season at Oxford. Andy Whing’s acrobatic volley just after half time set Oxford on course for the win. James Constable smashed in a second mid way through the second half before Alfie Potter’s breakaway goal in stoppage time ended the scoring.

In a game that had little bearing on the table, with both teams set for mid table mediocrity, Dale boss Keith Hill gave on loan Wayne Thomas a start at the back ahead of Shane Cansdell-Sherriff. Reece Gray was named on the bench for the first time since the youngster broke his leg in a pre-season game at Liverpool.

The first half was one mainly to forget with a bobbley pitch making attractive football difficult.

Former Dale loanee Dean Smalley looked way offside when he picked up a long ball over the top but the flag stayed down. The striker’s shot was pushed away by Lillis with Potter following in but he fired wide from 12 yards.

The first chance of the second half brought the opening goal. Smalley wriggled free down the right to cross for Whing whose scissor kick volley from inside the six yard box gave Lillis no chance.

Hill made a triple change almost immediately with Gray, Cansdell-Sherriff and Logan coming on for Rafferty, Kennedy and Grimes.

Gray fired into the side netting after good work from Phil Edwards as Rochdale looked to get back into the game.

Just as Hill’s men were building up some momentum, Oxford doubled their lead. Pittman scooped the ball into the area for Constable who fired a powerful drive across Lillis and into the top corner from a difficult angle.

Donnelly fired a volley over after Gray bundled his way into the area but that is about as close as Dale got.

With three minutes of stoppage time shown on the board, Oxford netted their third. Michael Rose’s poor corner was picked off by Rigg who ran the full length of the pitch before playing in Potter who clipped the ball over the on rushing Lillis.

It was a disappointing defeat for Dale but with nothing to really play for, the game certainly had an end of season feel to it.

With Plymouth arriving at Spotland next week for the final game of the season needing at least a point to secure survival, that game should have more excitement and the manager will be wanting to end the campaign on a high.

Keith Hill spoke afterwards: “Lessons learnt today, 100%. They have been good, I can’t take away what the lads have achieved over the past three or four weeks.

"The opposition turned us as much as they could and put us under pressure because of the pitch.

"I don’t want to be too critical but today saw some players resorting back to type with regards to performances when I first came back to the club.

"It’s a difficult situation as a player going into the last two games of a season when your out of contract at the end of the campaign. It’s difficult to put your body on the line, if you end up with a career threatening injury today you’re out of work next season which is your livelihood. We have to show the players some respect in regards to that but equally the players have to show the fans some respect for travelling down here.

"I’ve been encouraged and I’m encouraged going into next season.”

Rochdale: Lillis, Edwards, Thomas, Rose, Rafferty (Cansdell-Sherriff 63), Cavanaugh, Kennedy (Logan 63), Grant, Donnelly, Henderson, Grimes (Gray 63)
Subs: (not used) Collis, Barry-Murphy, Gornell, McIntyre

Oxford: Crocombe, Batt, Raynes, Duberry, Smalley (Pittman 72), Rigg, Potter, Whing, Capaldi (Constable 46), Davis (O’Brien 61), Davies
Subs: (not used) Heslop, McCormick, Long, O’Dowda

Referee: Mr Rushton
Assistant Referees: Mr Bushell & Mr Hair
Fourth Official: Mr Barrow