The BURKS

Strikers Danny Hylton and James Collins scored the goals as League One leaders Luton Town saw off struggling Rochdale, who finished with 10 men.

The hosts went close early on, Hylton sending Pelly Ruddock's cross over the bar while Collins forced keeper Andy Lonergan into a smart parry five minutes before half-time.

Lonergan made an excellent stop to deny Ruddock after the break, while full-back Jack Stacey raced clear from halfway before Joe Bunney got back to make a terrific goal-saving block.

Hatters had the lead in the 59th minute when Elliot Lee's header from Stacey's cross hit the bar and Hylton nodded home the rebound.

Town almost had an instant second, Collins' downward header clawed out by Lonergan, while Rochdale's best moment saw substitute Zach Clough shoot straight at James Shea from range.

Lee's daisy-cutter was tipped behind by Lonergan, with Dale then reduced to 10 men with five minutes to go when Ethan Hamilton was sent off for his second yellow card.

Town made them pay in stoppage time as Collins slammed Kazenga LuaLua's pinpoint pass into the net for his 20th of the campaign.

Dale Lineup

24. Andy Lonergan
2. Ryan McLaughlan
4. Jim McNulty
8. MJ Williams
27. Ethan Hamilton
7. Stephen Dooley
10. Callum Camps
39. Joe Bunney (Jordan Williams)
19. Bradden Inman
16. Matt Done (Calvin Andrew)
40. Ian Henderson (Zach Clough)