AFC Wimbledon 0 - 3 Rochdale

Scott Hogan scored a hat-trick in 17 second half minutes to move Rochdale to within one point of the automatic promotion places.

A drab game in poor conditions was livened up when Hogan took centre stage, rising highest to head Dale into the lead on 65 minutes. His pace saw him beat the offside trap before rounding the keeper for his second whilst a sublime cushioned volley from outside the area sealed him the match ball.

On a sticky pitch and a howling wind it was the home side who perhaps should have opened the scoring when Pell crossed from the left but Wyke headed over from six yards out.

Dale had two good chances as the half neared it conclusion. Jamie Allen blazed wide after he was picked out by Matty Lund before Lund was again the provider with Hogan firing into the side netting from a narrow angle.

Lund was wayward with two headers early in the second half as Dale looked to turn the screw on their hosts.

Ashley Eastham had his goalkeeper to thank on the hour mark when his short back pass was picked up by Hylton but Lillis was quickly out at his feet to tip the ball away from the striker with The Dons making a mess of the follow up.

Dale’s persistence paid off with 25 minutes left. Done’s cross from the left held up in the wind and with Worner out of his goal, Hogan rose to head home the opener.

Dale then took full control of the game with Hogan netting his second. The pacey striker beat the offside trap before rounding Worner and slotting the ball into the unguarded net.

Just four minutes later, Hogan claimed the match ball. A long ball forward caught the Dons backline out and with the keeper off his line, Hogan lifted the ball over Worner and into the goal.

Late substitute George Donnelly could have capped off a perfect day in stoppage time but Worner saved well to deny Dale a fourth.

Attendance: 3837 (276 from Rochdale)

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, Done, O’Connell (c), Rose, Allen (Vincenti 73), Lund, Henderson (Bunney 85), Hogan (Donnelly 90)
Subs: (not used) Thomson, Bennett, Porter, Camps

Wimbledon: Worner, Fuller (Fenlon 69), Arthur, Morris, Jones, Bennett (c), Moore (Saint-Luce 28), Pell, Wyke, Hylton ( Sheringham 76), Francomb
Subs: (not used) Brown, Moore, Midson

Referee: Mr O Langford
Assistant Referees: Mr C Fitch & Mr N Kinseley
Fourth Official: Mr P Harris