Rochdale warmed up for their FA Cup fifth-round tie at Wolves with a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Darlington at Feethams.

Dale player-manager Paul Simpson played an integral part in the only goal after 21 minutes.

He cut through a static Darlo defence to give Clive Platt the easiest of opportunities from close range after 21 minutes.

The home side battled gamely and had the greater possession, particularly in the second half.

Michael Oliver's header nearly extended the visitors' lead after 66 minutes but goalkeeper Andy Collett managed to keep the ball out when it appeared to have crossed the line.

In the dying moments, Darlington captain Craig Liddle should have claimed an equaliser but directed his strike straight at goalkeeper Matthew Gilks.

Darlington: Collett, Valentine, Liddle, Whitehead, Betts, Hodgson, Keltie, Nicholls, Wainwright, Clark, Conlon.
Subs: Pearson, Ford, Campbell, Sheeran, Porter.

Rochdale: Gilks, Warner, Evans, Griffiths, Grand, Hill, Beech, Oliver, Simpson, Townson, Platt.
Subs: Baker, Hodges, Doughty, Patterson, Duffy.

Referee: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).