91�ȱ�

Southend dented Rochdale's hopes for automatic promotion with an easy win at Spotland that keeps them in the hunt for a play-off place in League One.

The Shrimpers went in front when Barry Corr tucked in Jacob Murphy's cross from close range after 12 minutes.

Murphy then doubled the lead just before the break after he tapped in Ryan Leonard's centre.

Michael Timlin's volley made the points safe before Kevan Hurst nearly got a fourth, hitting the bar from distance.

Rochdale slipped down to third in the table, three points clear of fourth-placed Fleetwood, while Southend went sixth with a three-point cushion in the race for the play-offs.

Rochdale manager Keith Hill told 91�ȱ� Radio Manchester:

"It was a tense game and I think the tension was in the performance, it looks like a crisis of confidence.

"We've got three more opportunities but we can't afford to perform with those types of nerves.

"It's no time for throwing in the towel or spitting the dummy out or harsh words or criticisms, the players need support."