Torquay United 2 - 1 Rochdale

Rochdale’s unbeaten run came to an end after defeat at relegation threatened Torquay United.

Torquay took an early lead when Kristian Pearce headed home a Courtney Cameron free kick but Dale hit back shortly before the break through Jamie Allen's close range effort.

The points were sealed with nine minutes remaining when Damien Lathrope’s shot deflected off O’Connell and although Lillis saved, Joss Labadie was on hand to turn the ball home.

Dale had Olly Lancashire sent off in the closing stages for a second yellow card.

With Scott Hogan injured and Ian Henderson suspended, Keith Hill gave starts to George Donnelly and George Porter. Torquay started the day 10 points adrift from safety at the foot of League 2.

In a scrappy opening, Torquay came closest to breaking the deadlock when Showumni’s shot was well saved by Lillis.

When Olly Lancashire was booked after he handled, Cameron’s wicked free kick was met by Pearce who made no mistake from seven yards to open the scoring.

Jack O’Connell made a stunning goal line save after Lillis spilled a Cameron shot with the striker being foiled by the defender on the line.

Porter’s pace was causing the home defence problems and when he raced in for a loose ball with keeper Rice, Porter looked to be upended. The winger quickly got to his feet to cross but Donnelly was left frustrated by Rice who pulled off a fine save.

With seven minutes left before the interval, Dale got back on level terms. Rose’s shot was beaten away by Rice with the ball finding its way out to Porter. His cross towards the back post was headed back into the mix by Vincenti where Allen was on hand to provide the decisive touch.

Straight from the kick-off, Torquay almost re-took the lead. Brilliant control by Showumni gave him space for a snap shot that came back off the inside of the post.

The second period was short of real goalmouth action. Lancashire headed a Rose freekick off the post for Dale in the only real attack from either side.

The winning goal came in the 81st minute and had more than a hint of luck about it. Lathrope’s shot took a huge deflection on the way to goal, which Lillis was able to stop, but when the ball spilled out Labadie was quickest to react.

The game was ended as a contest when for the second game running Dale ended with 10 men after Lancashire was given a second yellow for pulling back Elliot Benyon on the half way line.

Results elsewhere were favourable for Dale and they remain third in League 2, two points behind leaders Chesterfield but have a game in hand.

Attendance: 1,627 (99 away)

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, Lancashire, O’Connell, Done, Cavanagh (c), Porter (Bunney 78), Allen Gray 70), Rose (Cummins 84), Vincenti,, Donnelly
Subs: (not used) Thomson, Bennett, , Eastham, Kennedy

Torquay: Rice, Tonge, Nicholson, Downes, Pearce (c), Lathrope, Cameron, Goodwin, Labadie, Showumni (Stockley 80), Benyon
Subs: (not used) Poke, Mansell, Harding, Hawley, Stevens, O’Connor

Referee: Mr G Horwood
Assistant Referees: Mr A Turner & Mr B Huxtable
Fourth Official: Mr A Turner