Rochdale secured a vital 2-0 victory over Oldham Athletic in the Greater Manchester derby, lifting themselves off the bottom of the League Two table. The match took place at Rochdale’s home ground on Saturday, with the hosts taking an early lead in the seventh minute.

The opening goal originated from a well-worked move down the right flank, as Charlie Tasker and Jonny Smith combined to create an opportunity. Tasker’s low cross found Dan Moss, who finished confidently by directing the ball into the roof of the net. Despite this early setback, Oldham pressed on and came close to equalizing when striker Mike Fondop was presented with a clear chance on 25 minutes. After a lapse by Rochdale goalkeeper Nils Ramming, who was dispossessed by Keenan Appiah-Forson, Fondop failed to convert, sliding the ball wide from an open goal.

Oldham maintained pressure in the second half, with Kane Drummond sending a dangerous delivery across the face of goal that narrowly evaded Fondop and substitute Calum Kavanagh. However, Rochdale struck again on 62 minutes to put the match beyond doubt.

A clearing kick from Oldham goalkeeper Matt Hudson was headed forward by Baba Adeeko, setting Dajaune Brown free to surge into the penalty area. Brown deftly sidestepped defender Donervon Daniels before firing a powerful shot into the bottom corner, doubling Rochdale’s advantage and securing all three points.

The result was a crucial one for Rochdale, who had occupied the league’s last position prior to this fixture, while Oldham’s push for points in the derby fell short despite sustained efforts.