The BURKS

Gary Jones' 27th-minute penalty and a Kevin Townson strike two minutes later dumped the Grecians to the bottom of the table.

Rochale had two goals disallowed in the first half, and Exeter goalkeeper Arjan van Heusden spared his side further blushes with two superb saves after the break. But he had to make up for his earlier mistake which led to Rochdale's first goal. Centre back Dave Bayliss launched a long ball to Clive Platt, who took the ball inside the area and nudged it past the outrushing Van Heusden, who then caught the striker's legs. Referee Mike Brandwood pointed to the spot and Gary Jones drilled his penalty kick past the 'keeper's outstretched left hand.

The home side added a second goal two minutes later when defensive mix-up a resulted in the ball rebounding off Martin Barlow and into the path of lively teenager Kevin Townson, a 20th-minute substitute for injured striker Paul Connor.

Dale Lineup

13. Matt Gilks
2. Wayne Evans
3. Sean McAuley
4. Simon Coleman
16. Dave Bayliss
9. Michael Oliver
15. Keiron Durkan
18. Gary Jones
14. Tony Ford (David Flitcroft 80')
21. Clive Platt
27. Paul Connor (Kevin Townson 18')

Scorers: Jones 27' (pen); Townson 30'

Manager: Steve Parkin