Rochdale 4 - 0 Crewe Alexandra

A brace apiece by Ian Henderson and Joe Bunney helped Rochdale brush aside Crewe Alexandra at a chilly Spotland. Both Henderson’s goals came from the penalty spot after Joe Rafferty and Joe Bunney were felled inside the area either side of half time. Bunney netted his first goals of the season with two smart finishes meaning Dale have scored 12 times against Crewe this season in two league and one cup game.

Keith Hill named an unchanged side from the weekend defeat at league leaders Bristol City meaning goalkeeper Jamie Jones made his home debut.

On a blustery and freezing night Dale took the game to their opponents.

Michael Rose warmed the hands of visiting keeper Paul Rachubka.

Although never really in the game, Crewe had the best chance of the opening exchanges when Nicky Ajose’s counter attack after a Dale corner caught the Dale short at the back. Ajose played in Jamie Ness who spotted that Jones had raced off his line but the midfielder fluffed his lines at the vital moment.

Dale took the lead from the spot after Rafferty was tripped inside the area. Henderson fed the full back who dropped his shoulder but had his standing leg taken by Bradden Inman. Henderson stepping up to slot the ball into the bottom corner.

Jack O’Connell saw a header from a corner cleared off the line.

Michael Rose saw his 25 yard shot flash across the face of goal as Dale went in search of more goals.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first with Dale in control.

A swift Rochdale counter attack by Henderson ended with Vincenti driving a shot across goal with the keeper rooted to the spot.

The second goal for Dale came just shy of the hour mark when Bunney capitalised on some slack defending to drill the ball into the far corner with an angled drive.

Dale’s second penalty came after Guthrie barged Bunney over with Henderson coolly netting his second.

The result was wrapped up with 10 minutes left when Jamie Allen’s neat reverse pass was very well finished off by Bunney from inside the area.

It's a win that keeps Dale’s playoff hopes alive as they now sit five points outside the top six with two games in hand.

Attendance: 1,954

Jones, Rafferty (Tanser 60), Eastham, O’Connell, Kennedy, Rose, Bennett, Allen, Vincenti, Bunney, Henderson (c)
Subs: (not used) Lillis, Noble-Lazarus, Hery, Logan

Crewe: Rachubka, Guthrie, Davis (c), Ray, Turton (Atkinson 78), Inman (Waters 81), Jones (Haber 46), Ness, Stewart, Ajose, Grant
Subs: (not used)Cooper, Saunders, Baillie, Leigh

Referee: Mr P Tierney
Assistant Referees: Mr B Roberts and Mr S Wade
Fourth Official: Mr D Storrie