Rochdale moved three points closer to league safety with a vital win over relegation rivals Carlisle.

Dale boss Steve Parkin had billed this as the biggest game of the season for both clubs, and it brought out Spotland's biggest crowd of the campaign, bolstered by 2,000 visiting fans.

Unfortunately, gale force winds made the game a lottery - as it turned on a first half penalty incident.

Carlisle keeper Matt Glennon brough down Dale striker Grant Holt as he raced onto Willo Flood's through ball, and was red carded.

Skipper Gary Jones side-footed the spot kick past substitute keeper Peter Keen and Dale were on their way.

Carlisle, managed by former Dale player-boss Paul Simpson, fought back bravely but their hopes were dashed on 64 minutes.

Shaun Smith played the ball down the left wing and Holt showed great strength and balance to hold off defender Paul Arnison before calmly tucking his shot under Keen. Tweet