Fleetwood Town boost survival hopes with victory at Rochdale

Fleetwood Town have moved two points clear of the League One relegation zone thanks to a 2-0 win at fellow strugglers Rochdale.

Neither side could find the breakthrough in an even first half at the Crown Oil Arena but the visitors went on to take the lead just after the hour.

Kyle Dempsey drove forward 30 yards and fired towards goal, with Dale goalkeeper Josh Lillis parrying the effort out towards Paddy Madden, who headed home on the rebound.

The Cod Army made sure of all three points in the 90th minute through two substitutes, as Jordy Hiwula latched on to Bobby Grant's ball on the break and slotted past Lillis.

Despite eight minutes of added time, John Sheridan's charges saw the game out without too much difficulty and ran out comfortable winners.

The result sees Fleetwood move up to 18th place in the table on 42 points, two clear of the bottom four, while Rochdale remain six points adrift of safety.

ROCHDALE (3-5-2): Lillis; McGahey, McNulty, Delaney (Dobre 71'); Wiseman, Camps, Knott (Inman 72'), Cannon (Kitching 61'), Done; Humphrys, Henderson

FLEETWOOD TOWN (4-2-3-1): Cairns; Coyle, Eastham, Bolger, Sowerby; Pond, Diagouraga; McAleny (Hiwula 75'), Dempsey, Hunter; Madden (Grant 85')