Matt Done scored a hat-trick to help Rochdale open their League One account with an emphatic 5-2 win away to Crewe Alexandra tonight.
It was the hosts who drew first blood at Gresty Road, as Marcus Haber latched on to Anthony Grant's through-ball before slotting beyond Conrad Logan after nine minutes.
The newly-promoted outfit responded well and restored parity just after the half-hour mark, with Ian Henderson converting a Jamie Allen pass on 31 minutes.
Henderson then spurned a good opportunity to double the lead, before Done spared his blushes.
The 26-year-old arrived unmarked at the back post to tap home Henderson's cross-cum-shot three minutes before the break after Crewe failed to deal with a corner.
Done bagged his brace on 55 minutes to establish a two-goal margin, but Haber followed suit to secure his double just seven minutes later.
However, Keith Hill's side soon took a giant step toward their first win in England's third tier, with Peter Vincenti adding a fourth before Done pounced on 72 minutes to cap a five-star performance from the visitors.
Shane Callaghan
