Two goals in the last two minutes from Kevin Townson and Michael Oliver gave Rochdale a dramatic victory over 10-man Cambridge at Spotland.

In an incident-packed first half, Rochdale made the early running and went ahead when David Bridges diverted a Patrick McCourt cross into his own net.

When Andy Duncan was sent off in the 13th minute the writing looked on the wall for the visitors.

But Duncan's dismissal seemed to inspire Cambridge and Omer Riza found time and space to fire home an equaliser.

The Us then went ahead as a static home defence allowed Shane Tudor to carry the ball forward and fire home.

Rochdale pressed but the visitors held out until the break.

Five minutes into the second half Gareth Griffiths' poor backpass put Tudor through. His shot was blocked but Tom Youngs was brought down as he shaped to shoot and Paul Wanless converted the resulting penalty.

On the hour a trade-mark free-kick from player-manager Paul Simpson reduced the arrears to give Rochdale hope.

The last half hour saw the home side constantly on the attack and those two late goals gave third-placed Dale three deserved points.

Rochdale: Edwards, Evans, Doughty, Griffiths, Jobson, Simpson, Flitcroft, Oliver, McCourt, Platt, Connor. Subs: Gilks, Townson, McEvilly, Duffy, Hodges.

Cambridge Utd: Marshall, Goodhind, Duncan, Angus, Murray, Wanless, Guttridge, Bridges, Tudor, Youngs, Riza. Subs: Brennan, Fleming, Tann, Chillingworth, Nacca.

Referee: G Laws (Tyne & Wear).