ROCHDALE'S cutting edge returned as Chris Dagnall fired a hat-trick against Chester.

Dale were ahead in the 12th minute when Dagnall curled a fine shot beyond the despairing dive of John Danby in the Chester goal.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 28th minute, Glen Rule seeing red for a desperately late challenge on Joe Thompson.

Dale were quick to take advantage when Dagnall scored again before Rory McArdle reduced the arrears, diverting the ball past goalkeeper Sam Russell for an own goal.

Dagnall completed his hat-trick, before Joe Thompson, substitute Adam Le Fondre and William Buckley completed the rout.

Buckley was close to a second when his effort hit the post and Ciaran Toner also hit the woodwork late on.

ROCHDALE: Russell 6, Wiseman 6, Stanton 6, McArdle 6, Kennedy 6, Buckley 8, Jones 7 (Keltie 88), Toner 7, Thompson 8, Dagnall 9 (Le Fondre 65 7), Thorpe 7 (Rundle 77). Subs not used: Holness, Spencer.

Tweet