CHRIS Dagnall at his very best helped Rochdale climb to top of League Two as they outclassed Bradford at Valley Parade.

The Bantams will be glad to see the back of Dagnall who had the better of the host's back four with his clever movement and sharp pace.

Despite a bright start from Bradford it was Dale who struck first on 12 minutes when Dagnall took advantage of a poor kick from goalkeeper Simon Eastwood. The Dale striker had work to do as he drove into the box before finishing across goal.

Fifteen minutes later the visitors doubled their lead. Chris O'Grady broke into the left hand side of the box before finding Dagnall with his cross. Dagnall's initial strike was blocked but he was fortunate to see the ball bounce back to him and he took advantage with a scuffed shot.

Keith Hill's men sealed the win and top spot when O'Grady cleaned up some good work again from Dagnall just short of the hour mark. Eastwood parried Dagnall's shot but O'Grady was allowed to slot the ball into the empty net.

The win brings up Rochdale's fourth straight league victory on the road but more importantly stamps a firm message to the rest of the division about their intentions for automatic promotion.

Rochdale: Heaton 8, Wiseman 7, T.Kennedy 7, Stanton 7, J.Kennedy 7, Dagnall 9, Thompson 7 (Higginbotham 6) , O'Grady 8, Dawson 9, Atkinson 7, Taylor 7. Not used: Taberner, Toner, Glover, McArdle, Flynn, Gray.

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