Rochdale further strengthened their position among the play-off places with a 4-2 victory over struggling Notts County at Spotland.After a goalless first half Rochdale cut loose after the interval and were good value for their win in an entertaining second period.

The hosts took the lead in the 58th minute when a fine cross from Tom Kennedy found Rene Howe who made the most of Russell Hoult's hesitation and powered home his header to net his fourth goal in two games.

Dale came close to a second with efforts from Adam Rundle and David Perkins before Rundle netted the second in the 70th minute with a low deflected drive from 10 yards.

However two minutes later County were back in the contest when a run from Myles Weston ended with a square pass to Jason Lee who applied a calm finish at the back post.

The pick of the goals came from Adam Le Fondre in the 78th minute when he powered home Howe's cross with a splendid header before an unfortunate own goal by Michael Johnson wrapped up the points for the hosts. County scored a late consolation when Simon Ramsden fouled Spencer Weir-Daley and Neil Mackenzie stepped up to convert the penalty.

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