Picture the scene.  You’ve been out for six months with a cruciate injury and you come off the bench and score a hat-trick to win your side the game.

That’s what happened to Rochdale striker Chris Dagnall.  The former Tranmere man has endured a frustrating time this season, but has returned with a bang in time for Dale’s play-off push.  Monday’s 4-1 win over Rotherham leaves the Spotland club a point behind Chesterfield-who hold the final play-off berth-with three games in hand.  And they have a great chance to leave the basement division for the first time since 1974.

The return of Dagnall, who bagged 17 goals last season, boosts a forward line that has been flourishing in recent times.  Adam Le Fondre has 12 to his name, and with Gary Jones chipping in from midfield, on-loan forward Rene Howe capable of goals and winger Adam Rundle’s creativity on the left, Keith Hill’s side has enough firepower to be challenging for promotion.

Despite losing Glenn Murray to Brighton in the January transfer window, Rochdale have continued their impressive form on the road.  They currently have 11 successes on their travels, but have struggled at home, winning just six times.  That said, they have consecutive 4-1 home wins to their name as they show signs of improvement.

And if they can build the momentum they are capable of producing, Rochdale will finally be saying goodbye to League Two at the 34th time of asking.

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