Mansfield Town sweep aside Rochdale

Mansfield Town produced an impressive second-half display to comfortably beat League Two promotion-chasers Rochdale.

The Stags were under pressure for much of the first half as Scott Hogan, Matthew Lund, Peter Cavanagh and Peter Vincenti all had opportunities for the visitors, with on-loan keeper Lewis Price on hand to repel the Dale front line.

The Crystal Palace shot-stopper, who was drafted into the Mansfield starting lineup after injuries ruled out their first and second-choice keepers, was equal to Lund's effort on the stroke of half-time as his shot seemed destined for the top corner.

After the interval, the hosts looked the likelier to score and finally broke the deadlock when a Chris Clements corner reached Martin Riley, who netted his first goal in 62 games for the club.

With minutes remaining, the Stags doubled their lead when James Jennings found Matt Rhead, who tucked the ball beyond Josh Lillis.

Rochdale's misery was compounded in stoppage time when Ryan Tafazolli bagged a third goal.

The result means Scunthorpe now take top spot after a draw at home to Bury, but Dale remain well in the hunt for automatic promotion.