Emmanuel Dieseruvwe brace boosts Rochdale beyond Brackley and into top spot

Top scorer Emmanuel Dieseruvwe bagged a brace as Rochdale returned to the top of the National League following a 3-2 win over Brackley at the Crown Oil Arena.

Dieseruvwe took his tally to 22 league goals this season – and 10 in nine matches – as Dale capitalised on York’s loss at Boreham Wood to move two points clear, with a game in hand.

Rochdale needed just three minutes to go in front when Dieseruvwe pounced on Aidan Barlow’s cross before Zak Lilly headed Brackley level six minutes before half-time.

But Dieseruvwe restored Dale’s lead on the hour mark, with a fine finish past goalkeeper Jon Maxted, and Kyron Gordon marked his 100th appearance for the club with a third 19 minutes from time.

Lilly claimed his second in the fourth minute of stoppage time as Brackley suffered a fourth successive defeat while Dale extended their unbeaten league run to 13.