ROCHDALE lost their sixth league game on the trot, going down 2-1 to table-toppers Oxford United.
Ian Atkins' side took the lead after 30 minutes when leading scorer Steve Basham was played onside and allowed to finish from six yards.
Dale rallied but were two down five minutes into the second half when Julian Alsop picked up a loose ball, found team-mate Matt Robinson racing down the left, and charged into the area to add a clinical finish.
Gary Jones pulled one back for Alan Buckley's men with a terrific first-time shot from the edge of the box, setting up a tense finish.
Dale's best chance fell to substitute Lee McEvilly, but he saw his close-range effort pawed away by United keeper Andy Woodman.
For a full report, action pictures, stats and managers' comments, see Wednesday's Observer.