TEN-MAN Rochdale produced a battling performance to see off promotion hopefuls Lincoln at a windswept Spotland.

Rochdale got off to the perfect start when Grant Holt volleyed home his 21st goal of the season after just six minutes but they were rocked 17 minutes later when Ernie Cooksey was dismissed for deliberate handball and Simon Yeo converted the subsequent penalty.

In the second half kicking into the teeth of a gale force wind Rochdale not only defended as though their lives depended on it but also managed to score twice.

On 59 minutes defender Greg Heald bundled home his first goal of the season and on 73 minutes with his first touch substitute Alan Goodall fired home after unselfish work by Holt. Tweet