Notts County 1-2 Rochdale

Another matchday, another defeat. The dark clouds truly are hovering above Meadow Lane. Rochdale were this week's beneficiaries, helping themselves to three points at Notts County's ground on Tuesday night as the Magpies lost 2-1.

The hosts threatened first through Paddy McCourt, who weaved his way into the area before attempting a lob that failed to trouble Jamie Jones but showed intent.

Dale countered through Ian Henderson, who got to a Tom Kennedy cross at the back post but saw his volley go over.

The 30-year-old came close again not long after as he fired wide with the outside of his right foot, but Notts were then able to push on as McCourt strode forward and sent a low shot towards goal that the Dale keeper kept out.

Shaun Derry’s charges were smelling blood and went on to take the lead on the half-hour mark, as Elliott Whitehouse’s cross ricocheted off the back post and out, where Garry Thompson was able to nod into the net.

Sadly the visitors were level after just five minutes, Mike Edwards’s misjudged back header was seized upon by Henderson, who piled forward and slotted home.

Notts set about trying to restore their lead and came within a whisker of doing so when Leroy Lita cut the ball back to Thompson, but he failed to connect from close range.

The score was 1-1 come the break, and after the restart the Magpies threatened as Thompson drew a brilliant save from Jones.

Just as Notts were beginning to build momentum, however, Dale went on to take the lead when Henderson's long-range shot cannoned off the foot of the post.

The ball came back out to Peter Vincenti who, with an open goal, had the simple task of slotting home, and he did just that.

Notts appeared to crumble after conceding their second of the game and, despite a decent Blair Adams effort that Jones was able to keep out, Dale were able to hold on for all three points and consign the hosts to yet another defeat.