Rochdale 3 - 0 Oxford United

Scott Hogan scored his second hat-trick in three weeks as Rochdale eased past promotion rivals Oxford United. In a close first half, Hogan prodded home Peter Vincenti’s goal bound header on the stroke of half time. Dale’s leading scorer got his second after a powerful run into the area. His hat-trick came 12 minutes later after a mistake in the Oxford defence.

Rochdale were forced into making one change from the side that beat Exeter last weekend. Matty Lund picked up a knock in the 1-0 victory 7 days ago, Peter Vincenti replaced him.

In a cagey opening 20 minutes, which saw the game swing from one end to the other, neither side really threatened.

The first real chance fell the visitors way and they really should have opened the scoring. A quickly taken throw in caught Dale unaware with Potter lifting the ball to the back post towards central defender Mullins. With a virtually open goal, Mullins somehow contrived to fire his shot across the face of goal from just three yards out.

Having survived that scare, Dale took control of the game.

Done’s powerful cross was cleared by Wright onto his own cross bar and out for a corner.

With the half nearing its end, Dale took the lead in controversial circumstances. Allen’s cross from the left was perfect for Vincenti to head home the opener but Hogan stabbed the ball over the line from what appeared to be an offside position. The assistant's flag stayed down despite Oxford’s complaints and the goal stood.

Just five minutes into the second half and Hogan doubled his and Dale’s tally. A throw in from the left bounced inside the area and when Raynes missed the ball whilst trying to clear, Hogan was on hand to sweep home.

Oxford had another good chance to get on the score sheet but again it fell to defender Mullins. A corner was whipped in and when the ball fell to Mullins on the corner of the six yard box, he should have hit the target but drilled his shot across goal off Hogan for another corner. Dale’s defensive line stood firm as the flag kick was cleared with Danny Rose firing well over from inside the area.

Caretaker Oxford boss Mickey Lewis was left to rue missed opportunities as Hogan completed his hat-trick just after the hour mark. After knocking the ball past Raynes, Hogan’s pace saw him one-on-one with Clarke and despite the keepers best efforts, Hogan was able to prod over the line to seal not only the match ball but the three points..

From that point in the game, Dale were in full control with Oxford struggling to mount any kind of attack. Done saw an angled drive beaten away by Clarke whilst Hogan was denied a fourth with a smart low save at his near post by the visitors keeper.

Late substitute George Donnelly had a couple of snap shots and Clarke’s handling skills will need more practice - he dropped an easy catch but nobody in a blue shirt could capitalise.

It's five unbeaten for Rochdale as they close the gap on first placed Chesterfield, who don’t play until Monday evening. With the local derby against Bury coming up on Friday, Dale could have a bird's eye view of the League Two table come the full time whistle of that game.

Attendance: 3313

Rochdale: Lillis Rafferty, O’Connell, Lancashire, Done, Cavanagh (c), Vincenti, Allen, Rose, Henderson, Hogan (Donnelly 86) 
Subs: (Not used) Thomson, Eastham, Kennedy, Gray, Porter, Bunney

Oxford: Clarke, Wright (c), Raynes, Mullins, Hunt, Potter, Rose, Wroe, Williams (Kitson 58), Smalley, Connelly (Constable 67) 
Subs: (Not used) Henly, Rigg, Davies, Long, Ruffels

Referee: Mr E Ilderton
Assistant Referees: Mr T Rogers & Mr A Tankard
Fourth Official: Mr D Bond