Dale continue good run of form

Rochdale chalked up a third successive win with a well-deserved 2-0 victory at out-of-sorts Hartlepool on Friday night.

Keith Hill's side dominated at Victoria Park, as goals from Gary Jones and Craig Dawson made it nine points from nine. Visiting keeper Owain Fon Williams was first in action, diving full-stretch to push a stinging Andy Monkhouse shot over the bar on four minutes before, from the resulting corner, Sam Collins' header was hacked off the line by Scott Wiseman. Dale took the lead in the 23rd minute and, from then on, were in command. Chris O'Grady picked out Nicky Adams in space on the right and his angled ball into the area was met by the on-rushing Jones for his 18th goal of the season. Adams was having a field day and, after his shot was saved by Scott Flinders, Will Atkinson's follow up was put in the net from an offside position. Flinders then made a superb stop from close range to keep out Jason Kennedy's shot. The second goal arrived on 55 minutes, Adams again the instigator. His corner was rolled to the edge of the area where Dawson smashed in an unstoppable low shot from 20 yards.