Southend got back to winning ways in the National League as they beat play-off hopefuls Rochdale 1-0 at Spotland.

The Shrimpers – without a victory in three league games, but did beat Eastleigh in FA Cup qualifying last weekend – went close when Nathan Ralph headed wide from a free-kick floated into the Dale box.

Ralph then helped set up a goal for the visitors in first-half stoppage time when his knockdown from a cross fell to Josh Walker, who lashed home from close range.

Dale, looking to extend a three-match unbeaten league run, pressed for an equaliser in the second half, with Kairo Mitchell glancing over before midfielder Ryan East fired wide late on.