Match Report

Darlington made light of their off-field problems to register a deserved win that probably ends Rochdale's hopes of automatic promotion.

Their win came courtesy of two massively differing goals, one a wonderful strike and the second the scruffiest imaginable.

After a bright start it was the visitors who took the lead courtesy of former Middlesbrough midfielder Jason Kennedy when he lashed in a wonderful 30-yard volley after the ball had been laid into his path by Pawel Abbott.

The home side in fairness bounced back well from falling behind and created a series of opportunities of their own and were a little unfortunate not to go in at the break in front.

Strikers Adam Le Fondre and Chris Dagnall were both denied by excellent saves from Przemyslaw Kazimierczak. Dagnall also fired over when he should have done better as did teenage winger Will Buckley.

After the break it continued to be all Dale with Buckley seeing his toe-poke bounce back off the woodwork but, against the run of play, Darlington doubled their lead and ended the game as a contest.

After a header from a corner had looped onto the post a combination of goalkeeper Frank Fielding and captain Rory McArdle somehow managed to sweep the ball back into their own goal.

The home side continued to huff and puff but created very little in the closing stages and now must win one of their two remaining games to ensure their place in the end of season play-offs for the second season in a row.

Corners

Fouls

Goal attempts

Shots off target

Offsides