Rochdale's run of wins came to an end with defeat to Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.

Dale were on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline despite the best possible start when Callum Camps volleyed home to put Dale in the lead.

Dale lined up with Sanchez in net, a back four of Matheson, O'Connell, Norrington-Davies and Keohane. MJ Williams replaced Morley in midfield and lined up next to Ryan with Rathbone and Camps. Pyke led the line in the absence of Ian Henderson who was out injured. The bench was made up of Lynch, Baah, Tavares, Andrew, Wilbraham, Dooley and Gillam. More injuries, another subs bench with players not even on pro contracts. I'd say January can't come quick enough but will it make a difference?

Dale got off to the best possible started when Camps was put through on goal and he smashed a bouncing ball past the keeper to make it 1-1.

Burton got back into the game and it wasn't long before mistakes in the Dale defence allowed the home side in to equalise. Dale failed to clear their lines and ball fell kindly to Edwards to hammered home just after 10 minutes.

Dale continued to make mistakes and Burton carried on pushing and it wasn't long before it was 2-1. Eoghan O'Connell brought down Daniel in the box after being slow to react and Lucas Akins smashed the penalty home to give the home side a deserved lead.

With half an hour of the game gone, another injury to squad came as Ollie Rathbone was forced off. We've obviously not had enough bloody injuries have we. Anyway Dooley came on to replace him.

Starkey and Edwards went close for Burton while Dooley had an effort deflected and saved by the keeper before the break.

Dale came out a lot better for the second half but couldn't break through and get an equaliser.

Jimmy Keohane had a good opportunity but his effort was weak. Boyce also went close for the visitors but Sanchez was able to save it.

Rekeil Pyke then had an unbelievable chance to equalise. He had a free header from a good cross and despite being six yards out and seemingly unable to miss, he headed across goal. What a miss.

Jimmy Ryan came off as Aaron Wilbraham came on.

Dale were well on top at this point and created chances. Done skimmed the crossbar before Keohane rattled the post. Can't get much closer but it wouldn't go in.

Young Baah came off the bench again and he replaced Pyke as Wilbraham went more central.

Dale couldn't break down Burton and with the game nearing it's conclusion it was game over. Boyce turned brilliantly inside the box and shot. Sanchez got a good hand to it but couldn't keep it out and it trickled into the far corner.

Another league defeat for Dale who will be desperate to try and bounce back on boxing day.

Player Ratings:

Sanchez - 6: His usual commanding self on crosses and did well.
Matheson - 6: Did well, struggled defensively at times with Akins but worked very hard
Keohane - 6: Doesn't do much wrong without ever having a hugely positive impact.
O'Connell - 6: Gave away a penalty. Solid otherwise.
Williams - 6: Decent passer of the ball but so weak it hurts
Ryan - 6: Not a clue why he was brought off tbh. Thought he was our best midfielder
Camps - 7: Scored and was our main positive influence today
Rathbone - 6: Did OK until he went off injured
Done - 5: What does he offer? He works hard but games are almost passing him by
Pyke - 5: I've given up with him unfortunately

Dooley - 7: Did well when he came on and offered better link up between the front men and midfield
Wilbraham - 6: Did ok
Baah - 6: Tried putting himself about again and you can see why he's as highly rated as he seems to be

Photo: Action Images

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