Rochdale 3 - 1 Exeter City

Rochdale kept pace at the top of Sky Bet League 2 after seeing off a stubborn Exeter City side at Spotland. Michael

Rose’s free-kick gave Dale the lead six minutes before half-time but Exeter hit back immediately after the interval. Graham Cummins restored Rochdale’s lead with a glancing header before Andrew Tutte sealed the points with a curling effort from 20 yards.

Third in the division, but only on goal difference, Keith Hill’s side knew that victory would keep them in at least the same position behind Chesterfield and Oxford so set about taking the game to Exeter from the off.

Tutte’s right wing cross was perfect for Henderson but the former Colchester man headed wide when well placed.

The same two players linked up again minutes later with Tutte driving his shot agonisingly wide with Krysiak seemingly beaten had it been inside the post.

The first half had little in clear cut chances but a moment of class broke the deadlock. Scott Hogan’s pacey run drew the foul 20 yards out from defender Pat Baldwin. Rose stepped up to fire the ball around the wall and into the top corner.

Exeter reacted well to going behind and almost got back on terms two minutes later. Rose’s clearance was charged down by Parkin with the ball falling kindly to O’Flynn inside the area but O’Connell was alert to the danger and challenged well to clear.

With spectators still arriving back in their seats after the half-time break, Exeter levelled. Straight from the kick-off, The Grecians attacked and when Davies’ shot appeared to hit the hand of O’Connell, referee Simpson waved play on. O’Flynn was quickest to react and pulled the loose ball back for Gow who made no mistake from 10 yards out.

Dale’s patient play, even after conceding, meant the home fans saw their side dominate possession and with chances coming, it was no surprise when they restored their advantage.

Henderson and Lund had forced Krysiak into saves but the Polish stopper couldn’t deny Cummins on 65 minutes. Lund’s angled ball into the area was headed home by Cummins with some debate as to who got the last touch, Henderson or Cummins. The goal was credited to Cummins man for his second in Dale colours.

With the game almost at its conclusion and with Hill’s side in control they confirmed the win with a third goal.

Tutte picked up the ball 20 yards out before placing his shot into the far top corner for his second of the season.

It was a deserved three points for Rochdale who stay behind the leaders on goal difference and with another game at Spotland on Tuesday evening, it's another chance to try and break clear at the top of the table.

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, Lancashire (c), Eastham, O’Connell, Rose, Lund, Tutte, Cummins, Henderson, Hogan (Done 81)
Subs: (not used) Thomson, Vincenti, Allen, Hery, Bunney, Dicker

Exeter: Krysiak, Woodman, Baldwin (Butterfield 81), Coles (c), Bennett, Sercombe, Gow (Keohane 76), Davies, Gill, O’Flynn, Parkin (Wheeler 68)
Subs: (not used)Doherty, Nichols, Pym, Morre-Taylor

Referee: Mr J Simpson
Assistant Referees: Mr C Akers & Mr T Nield
Fourth Official: Mr D Benton