A late winner ensured Rochdale's new player-boss Paul Simpson got his managerial career off to a winning start at Spotland.

Simpson's cross set up substitute Paul Connor's last-minute winner to send the Rochdale faithful home happy.

Orient had been the better side for much of the game but were unable to convert their possession and pressure into goals.

Rochdale opened well and after four minutes, Simpson's 30-yard free-kick struck the inside of the post and rocketed clear.

But Orient bounced back and Dean Smith and Lee Thorpe should have done better with headers from close range.

Just before the break, Orient's Gary Fletcher missed the best chance of the match as he blasted over from six yards.

There was little goal-mouth action in the second half - apart from the late winner which sank the visitors.