ROCHDALE'S 10-game unbeaten league run came to a juddering halt as Exeter City ran riot at St James’ Park.

The Grecians drew first blood against the run of play when Steve Tully’s deflected cross was parried by Dale keeper Sam Russell and Steve Basham stabbed home from close range.

Keith Hill’s side were then given a mountain to climb on the half-hour mark when Scott Wiseman saw red for hauling back Ryan Harley.

Basham kept his cool to dispatch the resulting penalty.

Moments later Rochdale squandered a gilt-edged chance to reduce the arrears when Jon Shaw blasted straight at Paul Jones after the striker went clean through.

Shaw was inches from pulling a goal back at the start of the second half after he flung himself at Clark Keltie’s inviting cross.

Only the reflexes of Russell prevented Harley from scoring a wonder goal when he clawed away an audacious 45-yard effort.

Rochdale were becoming increasingly adventurous and Ciaran Toner fired narrowly wide from the edge of the box.

Rory McArdle was thwarted by Paul Jones after he met Tom Kennedy’s corner with a powerful header.

But a quick-fire double from substitute Craig McAllister ended any hopes of a comeback.

Clark Keltie netted a consolation goal from the spot after Dean Moxey bundled into Shaw. Tweet