ROCHDALE manager Keith Hill has vowed that his side will bounce back after their 10-game unbeaten league record came to an abrupt end at St James' Park.

Steve Basham opened the scoring when he stabbed home from close range before Scott Wiseman saw red for pulling back Ryan Harley.

Basham converted from the spot before Craig McAllister put the gloss on the victory with a late double.

Clark Keltie netted a consolation goal, but the defeat sees Dale slip two places to ninth in League Two.

Hill has pledged that his side will recover from their heaviest defeat of the season as they prepare to face promotion hopefuls Shrewsbury Town on Boxing Day at Spotland.

"It is important that we recover because we haven't been on a great run of late," said Hill.

"We lost at Forest Green Rovers and we drew two league games before and after that result.

"Our last win was against Luton Town so we are talking quite a way back.

Furious

"We are not in panic stations at this moment in time but we have got to look to turn it around."

Hill was furious with referee David Phillips, accusing him of favouring the home side on Saturday.

"The referee had a massive influence on this game," he snapped.

"He has already sent seven players off this season and that is alarming for me and should be for the football authorities.

"It is easy for an official who is new to the Football League to referee for the home side and for large parts that is what he did.

"It was quite comfortable for him in the second half because of the advantage he had handed to Exeter in the opening period."

ROCHDALE: Russell 7, Wiseman 5, Kennedy 6, McArdle 6, Ramsden 6, Buckley 6 (Dagnall 46, 6), Toner 6, Keltie 6, Rundle 6 (Holness 46, 6), Le Fondre 6 (McEvilly 68, 6), Shaw 6. Subs not used: Spencer, Jones.

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