91Èȱ¬

Northampton Town moved back into the play-off places after beating Rochdale, who lost for the first time since the return of manager Keith Hill.

Clive Platt headed the Cobblers in front from Chris Hackett's cross,but Dale were back on level terms when Kevin McIntyre set up Jason Kennedy.

The home side restored their lead two minutes later, Kelvin Langmead pouncing on a loose ball to prod home.

And after Hackett was tripped, Adebayo Akinfenwa netted a late penalty.

Northampton Town assistant manager Andy King told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Northampton:

"You have to talk honestly and they came out in the first 20 minutes and played extremely well. It probably gives us more satisfaction that we handled it and won the game comfortably in the end.

"I didn't feel that they threatened terribly. I still thought we'd score more goals.

"Platt and Akinfenwa is a good combination, you saw how they worked together and I'm pleased they both got goals.

"We have a standing joke now. When they call out (the sponsors') man of the match, we all say 'number 11' together (Chris Hackett). He's had a great season."

Rochdale manager Keith Hill told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Manchester:

"It's always difficult when you lose but you've got to look beyond the scoreline at times, especially when we're in the position we're in and I've just come to the football club.

"I'm relatively pleased with certain parts of the performance and the only thing I'm not best pleased with is the concentration levels.

"That helps the opposition and we didn't nullify their threat as much as I expected to."