Rochdale saw their perfect start to the season come to an end as they suffered a 2-1 National League defeat to Brackley at St James Park and dropped off the top of the table.
Former Newport defender Ryan Haynes opened his account for last season’s National League North champions as he picked out the top corner with a curled free-kick after 14 minutes.
Connor McBride equalised for Rochdale – seven minutes after the break – after slotting second-half substitute Anthony Mancini had played him in.
But the Saints took the lead for the second time on the hour as former Sheffield United youth player Connor Hall buried the rebound after his penalty was saved by teenage goalkeeper Tom Myles.
