Harvey Gilmour scored a late winner to send Rochdale top of the National League after beating Southend 2-1.
Ryan East fired over the bar and Oliver Whatmuff made a low save to deny Andy Dallas as both sides enjoyed early opportunities.
Southend broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Gus Scott-Morriss tapped home from James Morton’s free-kick, but Rochdale replied just four minutes later when Kyron Gordon curled the ball into the bottom corner.
Gilmour had the final say in the 90th minute with a close-range finish to send the Dale two points clear of second-placed York.
