Keith Hill's team took the lead when Tom Kennedy's cross was glanced home by Joe Thompson before the scorer found Glenn Murray who made it 2-0.

Adam Le Fondre fired in the third from the penalty spot after being hauled down by Ian Miller.

Clark Keltie scored Darlington's goal when Simon Ramsden fouled Alan White before White was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Rochdale: Russell, Ramsden, Stanton, McArdle, Kennedy, Thompson (Higginbotham 57), Doolan, Jones, Rundle, Le Fondre (McEvilly 75), Murray.
Subs Not Used: Spencer, Crooks, Holness.

Booked: Rundle, McArdle.

Goals: Thompson 22, Murray 37, Le Fondre 45 pen.

Darlington: Stockdale, Austin, White, Miller, Ridley (Martin Smith 86), Joachim (Abbott 72), Ravenhill, Keltie, Purdie, Wright, Blundell (Wiseman 77).
Subs Not Used: Brackstone, Liversidge.

Sent Off: White (74).

Booked: White, Austin, Ravenhill, Wright.

Goals: Keltie 54 pen.

Att: 3,116

Ref: Rob Lewis (Shropshire).