The BURKS

Substitute Marc Richards grabbed Swansea's winner at Rochdale, which keeps alive the Swans hopes of avoiding relegation.

With two of the three teams below them also winning, it could prove a priceless strike for Brian Flynn's side.

City went ahead after 17 minutes when Kevin Nugent met a Roberto Martinez free-kick with a powerful header at the far post.

That sparked a good spell from the visitors but they could not capitalise on it, Lenny Johnrose going closest with a header.

Rochdale equalised three minutes before the break when Gareth Griffiths headed home David Flitcroft's set-piece.

Half-time substitute Gareth Hockenhull was denied a clear penalty for Rochdale when he was bundled over in the area by Michael Howard.

Swansea had another let-off when Lee Jenkins almost deflected Hockenhull's cross into his own net after 58 minutes, the ball hitting the post.

But Richards took only two minutes to make his mark after his introduction as a substitute.

A deep cross from Martinez deceived Dale goalkeeper Matt Gilks and the substitute stole in to roll the ball into the net.

Paul Connor and Simon Grand went close for Dale in the closing minutes as Paul Simpson's side operated with four strikers but the Swans were not to be denied a vital victory.