Rochdale 3 - 1 Colchester United

Rochdale v Colchester United

Rochdale came from behind to take maximum points in the first of the festive fixtures against manager-less Colchester United. Chris Porter fired Colchester into the lead midway through the first half before Ian Henderson levelled from the spot after a foul on Peter Vincenti. Donal McDermott’s cool finish nudged Dale into the lead four minutes later and Olly Lancashire secured the win in the second half with a close range header.

On an unusually mild December afternoon, Rochdale looked to return to winning ways after last weekend's defeat at Swindon.

Some incisive passing carved open the Colchester defence but Matt Lund couldn’t provide the finish.

Calvin Andrew went agonisingly close with a diving header as Dale were getting closer.

A mistake saw Colchester take the lead. George Moncur picked up on a stray pass to race away; Castro Pereira in the Dale goal denying Moncur but the danger wasn’t gone, the loose ball fell to Chris Porter who lashed the ball into the top corner of the Dale goal.

Dale drew level in controversial circumstances when Porter was adjudged to have tripped Vincenti inside the area, Ian Henderson netting the resultant spot kick for his seventh goal of the season.

Rochdale were soon in front when Callum Camps picked out McDermott, who beat Colchester goalkeeper Jamie Jones with a powerful low drive.

Dale piled on the pressure in the second half and a string of free-kicks and corners saw the Colchester defence crack once more. McDermott’s deep free-kick from the right was poked home by Lancashire for his second in two games.

Dale are now just four points off the top six.

Attendance: 2,205

Rochdale: Castro Pereira, Cannon, Lancashire, McNulty, Rose, Lund, Camps, McDermott, Vincenti, Andrew, Henderson (c)
Subs: (not used) Lillis, Eastham, Bunney, Barry-Murphy, Hooper, Bennett, Kennedy

Colchester: Jones, Briggs, Elekobi, Eastman, Brindley, Massey (Sembie-Ferris 64), Gibley, Edwards (Sordell 64)(Bonne 72), Harriott, Moncur, Porter (c)
Subs: (not used) Kent, Lapslie, Vincent-Young, Parish

Referee: Mr T Kettle
Assistants: Mr C Isherwood and Mr K Mattocks
Fourth Official: Mr B Roberts