Rochdale 0 - 1 Barnsley

Visiting defender Peter Ramage scored the only goal as Barnsley left Spotland with all three points. The on loan Crystal Palace man headed home after just 10 minutes as Keith Hill came up against his former employers for the first time since being sacked as the Oakwell boss. Dale’s Conrad Logan saved his second penalty in as many games after Devante Cole was felled deep into stoppage time.

In a tight first half, Barnsley opened the scoring with their first corner when Conor Hourihane swung the ball in for Ramage to head home.

Dale responded well to going behind and went close just two minutes later. A swift counter attacking move saw Ian Henderson cross but a slight deflection took the ball behind three on rushing Dale players before eventually across back into the danger area was volleyed wide by Henderson.

Barnsley keeper Ross Turnbull saved well with his legs from Peter Vincenti.

Turnbull denied Vincenti agian, this time with a brilliant flying save after Vincenti was played in by Henderson.

Logan had to be quick to smother a Cole chance after the winger jinked his way into the area.

The second half was almost like a game of attackers versus defenders at times as Barnsley sat deep and soaked up the Dale pressure. Henderson saw a shot hit the post whilst Matt Done was denied on the follow up by Cranie on the line.

With Dale pressing, it was no surprise to see Barnsley create one or two chances. Sam Winnall fluffed his lines from seven yards out after good work from Cole whilst Jack O’Connell blocked bravely from Hourihane.

The final action was in the Rochdale penalty area after the dangerous Cole raced into the box and was tripped by Jack O'Connell. Conor Hourihane stepped up but saw his powerful spot kick wonderfully saved by Logan.

Defeat for Rochdale sees them drop out of the top six but will be looking to bounce back in midweek when they face Walsall in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Spotland.

Attendance: 4,380

Rochdale: Logan, Rafferty (Hery 71), Lancashire (c), O’Connell, Tanser, Dawson, Allen, Lund (Andrew 55), Done, Vincenti (Bunney 68), Henderson
Subs: (not used) Bennett, Diba, Rose, Kennedy

Barnsley: Turnbull, Bree, Cranie (c), Ramage, Nyatanga, Berry, Treacy (Brown 60), Hourihane, Bailey, Cole, Winnall (Hemmings 79)
Subs: (not used) Dudgeon, Davies, Williams, Digby, Lita

Referee: Mr K Wright
Assistant Referees: Mr S Barrow & Mr N Sharp
Fourth Official: Mr W Smallwood