Plymouth secured promotion to the Nationwide League Second Division with a 3-1 win over play-off hopefuls Rochdale.

A point would have been enough for Paul Sturrock's side, but the Pilgrims bounced back from a goal down with three goals in less than 20 minutes.

Rochdale, who could have led 3-0 at the break, eventually went in front thanks to a breathtaking goal from debutant Paul Simpson after 54 minutes.

Plymouth substitute Marino Keith levelled within minutes of joining the action and Graham Coughlan put the visitors in front from a corner 10 minutes from time.

Lee Hodges sealed the win and Argyle's promotion to Division Two three minutes later.

Rochdale: Gilks, Duffy, Jobson, Griffiths, Doughty, Flitcroft, Oliver, McLoughlin, Simpson, Townson, Platt. Subs: Edwards, Coleman, Jones, Durkan, Atkinson.

Plymouth: Larrieu, Worrell, Wotton, Coughlan, Beswetherick, Sturrock, Bent, Adams, Friio, Hodges, Evans. Subs: Taylor, Stonebridge, Keith, McCormick, Heaney.

Referee: M Pike (Barrow-in-Furness)