Rochdale 3 - 0 Plymouth Argyle

Rochdale moved up to second in League Two after a comfortable victory over a Plymouth side who played the majority of the second half with 10 men.

Jamie Allen netted his third of the season after just four minutes when he slotted home a George Donnelly pass.

After Andrew Gurrieri was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Jack O’Connell eight minutes into the second half, Dale never looked back with Ian Henderson scoring another contender for goal of the season on 76 minutes.

Michael Rose wrapped up the scoring in the final minute with a 25 yard lob.

Dale got off to a flying start when Allen netted inside four minutes after good work from Donnelly. The striker weighted his pass perfectly for the youngster who made no mistake from inside the area.

Dale were certainly the more dominant of the two sides.

Lillis got down smartly to save a snap shot from Gurrieri.

Vincenti saw a header smothered off the line from a Rose corner whilst Allen forced McCormick into a low save after another great flick from Donnelly.

Donnelly went agonisingly close as the half neared its end but his downward volley bounced up and over the Plymouth crossbar.

Plymouth started the second half much better and forced Lillis into a wonderful. Alessandra’s angled drive was tipped away by the Dale keeper.

With Plymouth getting a foothold in the game, it was crass stupidity by Gurrieri to get himself sent off. The winger led with an arm as he jumped with O’Connell with his elbow planting firmly on the defenders nose. Referee Brown showed little hesitation in brandishing the red card.

With a man advantage, Dale looked in full control with set pieces looking the only way through for Plymouth.

Former Dale defender Neal Trotman went close when he met a back post free kick but Dale managed to smother the ball to safety.

Rochdale’s man of the moment Ian Henderson again showed why he is a fans favourite with another goal that wouldn’t look out of place on the world stage. A neat pass over the top of Plymouth’s defence was impeccably controlled by Henderson on his chest inside the area. He then lifted the ball over one defender with his right foot before unleashing an unstoppable volley with his left off the inside of the far post.

In the last five games, Dale have kept four clean sheets but the 10 men of Plymouth almost snatched a goal with 10 minutes left. Conor Hourihane was afforded all the time in the world inside the area but the captain’s shot was off target.

The icing was put on top of the cake with the clock almost at 90 minutes. Dale’s tremendous work rate until the final whistle saw keeper McCormick hurried into a clearance which put Blanchard under pressure. The fullback's heavy touch allowed Rose to steal the ball and, with the keeper off his line, he volleyed from 25 yards into the unguarded net.

Its now just one defeat in six for Rochdale who travel to fellow promotion hopefuls Chesterfield on Tuesday evening with the chance to go top of League Two.

Attendance: 2,839

Rochdale: Lillis, Bennett, Lancashire, O’Connell, Done, Rose, Henderson, Allen, Vincenti, Donnelly (Hogan 66), Cavanagh (c) (Dicker 64)
Subs: (not used) Thomson, Rafferty, Eastham, Cummins, Bunney

Plymouth: McCormick, Hourihane (c), Alessandra (Boco 76), Reid (Thomas 78), Gurrieri,, Blizzard, Trotman, Nelson, Blanchard, Banton (Young 57), Purrington
Subs: (Not used) Cole, Wotton , Harvey, Parsons

Referee: Mr M Brown
Assistant Referees: Mr W Smallwood & Mr D Strain
Fourth Official: Mr P Dermot