Rochdale hand York hope in title race as unbeaten run ends at Southend

National League leaders Rochdale failed to capitalise on their game in hand as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Southend at Roots Hall.

Goals from Andrew Dallas, James Golding and Tom Hopper brought an end to Dale’s 15-match unbeaten run and kept them just two points ahead of nearest challengers York.

Southend went ahead after three minutes when Dallas finished off a flowing team move down the left and Golding doubled their lead in the 17th minute, reacting first to the loose ball from a free-kick.

Emmanuel Dieseruvwe pulled a goal back three minutes later with his 24th goal of the season and 12th in as many games but the Shrimpers restored their two-goal cushion just before the half-hour mark, Hopper netting the rebound after his header was parried by goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff.

Casey Pettit gave Rochdale hope with a 20-yard effort into the far corner 10 minutes into the second half but they were unable to force an equaliser as Southend moved into the play-off places.