Brian Barry-Murphy's first goal of the season wasn’t enough to stop Rochdale’s miserable run extending to seven without a win at promotion-chasing MK Dons.
The Irishman grabbed only his second goal for Dale since arriving from Bury last summer on eight minutes to hand Steve Eyre’s men the lead.
But the Dons, who last week ended a poor run of form of their own, roared back and found themselves 3-1 up at the break before cruising home in the second half.
Rochdale’s lead lasted just nine minutes as Dons full-back Adam Smith, on loan from Tottenham, celebrated his recent call-up to the England Under-21 squad with a fine equaliser on 17 minutes.
And just five minutes later, the Dons were ahead when Charlie MacDonald wriggled free before firing into the top corner to leave Dale shell-shocked.
Rochdale were still trying to gather themselves when Mark Beevers pounced to prod home from close range just after the half-hour and the hosts, and in particular MacDonald, will be disappointed they didn’t cash in further after the break.
What is your verdict on the action? Have your say.
MK Dons 3 Rochdale 1
November 05, 2011
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think its back to the sad days at dale its the worst football i have seen for years cant see us getting anything against preston or bradford hope i am wrong but ......................
s.j.
At Mk Dons there was a return to that positive, attractive football (sweeping accurate passes, sudden bursts of pace from deep, strong frontman to hold up the ball etc.) that has been the hallmark of the Dale over recent seasons. Pity it was all produced by MK Dons. We were clueless. 11 individuals chasing the game. They were uncomfortable on the ball and uncomfortable in each others company. So sad to see. On that performance we are going down and deservedly so. Unless we unearth another Dawson to Marshall our fragile defence and another O'Grady to provide some strength (and skill) up front...