Devante Rodney helped condemn former club Hartlepool to a third successive National League defeat as Rochdale left the north-east with a 3-0 victory.
The home side were first to muster a meaningful attempt when Joe Grey’s shot was blocked before Nicky Featherstone sent the rebound just off target from 20 yards.
Kairo Mitchell headed over from Tobi Adebayo-Rowling’s cross before Jake Burger fired wide for the visitors, who went ahead on the stroke of half-time when Connor McBride struck.
Dale goalkeeper Luke McNicholas saved well from Gary Madine as Hartlepool stepped up a gear after the break but they fell further behind when Mitchell swept home Adebayo-Rowling’s cross.
Rodney ensured there was no late fightback when he rounded keeper Adam Smith from substitute Ian Henderson’s through ball to score with 11 minutes left.
