Dale drop down to third

Rochdale's bid to finish runners-up in League Two was dealt a blow after a 2-1 defeat by Burton.

Burton hold on to claim away victory

Rochdale's bid to end the season as runners up in League Two was dealt a blow as they closed their home campaign with a 2-1 defeat by Burton. It was Dale's sixth defeat in their last eight games and allowed Bournemouth to leapfrog them into second place in the table. The home side created a host of chances in the first half but Keith Hill's men have been struggling for goals recently - just two in their last seven games - and that pattern continued with Chris O'Grady smashing one against the bar and Chris Dagnall failing to make the most of two gilt-edged opportunities when clean through on goal. Burton's best effort in the opening 45 minutes was a 25-yard volley from Cleveland Taylor, Dale goalkeeper Kenny Arthur diving full stretch to his left to push the shot round the post. Taylor's luck was in after the break when his 62nd minute cross dipped over Arthur and into the net. Four minutes later Burton doubled their advantage when Craig Dawson felled Steve Kabba and Shaun Harrad sent Arthur the wrong way from the penalty spot. Gary Jones saw a thumping drive saved by Kevin Poole before O'Grady netted a consolation, making the goalkeeper pay for hesitancy and lofting one into an unguarded net.