Lee McEvilly came off the bench to inspire promotion-chasing Rochdale to victory at struggling Chester.

The home side had the best chance of the first half, but Richie Partridge's cross-cum-shot hit the bar.

McEvilly helped break the deadlock with his first touch as he played in Joe Thompson, who made no mistake with a right-foot shot from 10 yards.

The striker then poked in off the post to win it for the visitors before also hitting the bar in the last minute.

While Dale's win moved them up to fourth in League Two, it leaves City still without a win in 2009, having picked up just two points out of a possible 21 in their last seven games.

Chester: Danby, James Vaughan, Kelly, Linwood, Roberts, Partridge (Ellans 85), Harris, Barry, Ellison, Rutherford (Smith 90), Lowe.
Subs Not Used: Jones, Owen, Ablett.

Booked: Kelly.

Rochdale: Fielding, Wiseman, Stanton, McArdle, Kennedy, Adams (Rundle 26), Toner, Gary Jones, William Buckley (Le Fondre 75), Dagnall (McEvilly 55), Thompson.
Subs Not Used: Ramsden, Keltie.

Goals: Thompson 55, McEvilly 65.

Att: 1,357

Ref: Anthony Taylor (Greater Manchester).

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