Carlisle United survived a late scare to see out another vital win at bottom-of-the-table Rochdale.
The only goal of the game came as early as the eighth minute from Crystal Palace loanee John-Kymani Gordon.
But Rochdale thought they had grabbed a late equaliser only for the referee to disallow the ‘goal’ after consulting an assistant.
Dale’s record scorer Ian Henderson had the ball in the net two minutes from the end but their celebrations were cut short even though there had been no initial flag,
Carlisle had made a positive start as their form and League position indicated and almost went in front from their first attack.
Gordon dribbled the ball around Dale goalkeeper Jake Eastwood but was driven wide when he shot and veteran defender Jim McNulty was able to clear off the line.
But then when a Rochdale attack broke down the hosts were opened-up far too easily by a pass down the middle from
Gordon was able to use his pace to get in behind the home defence and then did well to finish clinically past Eastwood.
Rochdale were very poor in the first-half and Carlisle were much the better side. Home manager Jim Bentley must have got stuck into his players at half-time because there was an improved display in the second-half.
United keeper Tomas Holy had to make a fine save in the 75th minute to deny Abraham Odoh after he whipped in a 25-yarder.
He was beaten by Henderson’s header near the end but the offside decision ensured United and their huge army of travelling fans went home with the points.
