Boston hold on to beat Rochdale for vital win in relegation battle

Boston gave their Vanarama National League survival hopes a shot in the arm with a 3-2 win at Rochdale.

Jacob Hazel fired them into a 25th-minute lead following a defensive mix-up in the Dale ranks, and Zak Mills doubled the advantage just three minutes later.

Jimmy Knowles hit the third midway through the second half before Ian Henderson’s half-volley gave Dale a lifeline.

Jay Bird beat his marker before firing home to cut the deficit to one with two minutes left but the Pilgrims held on.