The BURKS

A brace from Robert Betts and a Lee McEvilly goal gave Rochdale victory at Torquay in a fiery match which prompted two red cards and seven bookings.

Dale were reduced to 10 men when defender Michael Simpkins was sent off just before half-time for his second bookable offence.

However, Torquay's defence fell apart after 59 and 63 minutes.

Firstly, Torquay goalkeeper Arjan van Heusden fouled Rochdale winger Leo Bertos, and Lee McEvilly converted the penalty.

Then Robert Betts scored the first of his two goals after Paul Connor had caught Torquay on the break.

United midfielder Matt Hockley received his marching orders in the 73rd minute from referee Trevor Kettle, also for two bookable offences.

David Graham gave Torquay some hope two minutes later when he fired the ball home from Jo Kuffour's cross.

But Betts wrapped it up in the 78th minute after Connor and Sean McClare had hit Torquay on the counter attack to end the home side's unbeaten start to the season.