Nathaniel Mendez-Laing hits hat-trick as Rochdale beat Swindon
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing's hat-trick secured Rochdale a place in the second round as they beat Swindon 3-1.
The home side took the lead in the 24th minute when Michael Rose's corner was headed up into the air by Mendez-Laing and dropped onto the crossbar.
Mendez-Laing was first to the rebound and he headed through a crowded six-yard box to find the net.
This was Martin Ling's first game since his return to management after a spell out of the game with a stress-related illness and his side went close when Jon Obika fired narrowly wide from the edge of the area.
Mendez-Laing scored his second within a minute of the restart.
Peter Vincenti's charge into the area was halted by Adam El-Abd but the ball ran loose to Mendez-Laing and he thumped it into the roof of the net.
And Mendez-Laing completed his hat-trick with a penalty in the 69th minute following a foul by Raphael Branco on Joe Bunney.
Nicky Ajose pulled one back from the spot a minute later after Scott Tanser brought down Bradley Barry.
Ajose thought he had reduced the arrears in the 85th minute only to see his effort ruled offside.
Source: PA
