Rochdale returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Port Vale at Spotland.
Buckley nets winner against Port Vale
Rochdale returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Port Vale at Spotland.
Without a victory in their previous three games and on the back of a 4-0 drubbing at Bournemouth, it was a crucial result for Keith Hill's men, who still harbour hopes of an automatic promotion place.
The hosts took the lead in the 36th minute when Chris Dagnall collected Simon Ramsden's throw-in and raced into the area past Paul Edwards and to the byline, where he crossed to present Will Buckley with a tap-in.
Vale were on the back foot for long periods during the opening period but caused the Rochdale defence problems from a couple of Dave Brammer corners.
The first, an inswinging delivery, almost caught out goalkeeper Frank Fielding who was forced to scramble the ball off the line, before John McCombe smacked a header against the crossbar after Rob Taylor had headed back across the goal.
After the break the hosts dominated possession but failed to trouble Chris Martin - and Vale almost levelled against the run of play when Danny Glover raced through on goal but Ciaran Toner raced back to block his shot.
