Promotion hopefuls Rochdale returned to form with a narrow victory over Port Vale - their first win in four matches.

The cruicial goal came on 36 minutes when Chris Dagnall raced into the area and crossed from the byeline to Will Buckley, who had a simple tap-in.

Vale's John McCombe came close when he sent a header against the bar after Rob Taylor headed across goal.

And Vale almost levelled in the second half when Danny Glover raced through - only for Ciaran Toner to block.

Rochdale: Fielding, Ramsden, Holness, McArdle, Kennedy, Higginbotham (Thompson 37), Keltie, Toner, William Buckley (Rundle 90), Dagnall, Le Fondre (Madine 74).
Subs Not Used: Wiseman, Newey.

Goals: William Buckley 36.

Port Vale:

Martin, Stockley, McCombe, Collins, Edwards, Howland, Brammer (Richman 64), Marshall, Taylor (Glover 76), Lawrie, Dodds.
Subs Not Used: Lloyd-Weston, Griffith, Thompson.

Booked: Brammer.

Att: 3,100

Ref: Andy Haines (Tyne & Wear).

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