Rochdale's crushing 4-0 win against Mansfield at Field Mill cost Billy Dearden his job as the manager of the League Two strugglers.Dearden, who was in his second spell in charge of the club, was expected to retire at the end of the season but the Stags have now parted company early after a dismal run of eight defeats in nine home games - the other being a draw.

Gary Jones, making a new club-record 346th appearance in Rochdale's colours, scored in each half as Dale ended a miserable run of five defeats in six matches.

Jones started the rot after 27 minutes when he swept home a low cross from the by-line by Rene Howe. Crucially, former Stag Adam Rundle cleared a Keith Briggs header off the line three minutes later.

But it was game over 90 seconds after the break as Adam Le Fondre turned in a Rundle cross at the near post. Jones made it 3-0 after 55 minutes when he drilled in a half-cleared free-kick from 18 yards as some home fans began to leave the stadium.

And it was 4-0 in the 67th minute as Howe broke clear from Le Fondre's flick to round Carl Muggleton. The keeper also saved well at his near post from Rundle and then a combination of keeper and post denied an unmarked Ben Muirhead.

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