National League top-scorer Ollie Pearce was a familiar matchwinner as second-placed York racked up a 4-0 win at Rochdale.

Pearce scored in either half to take his tally to 25 for the campaign and bagged an assist for Liam Richardson as the Minstermen trimmed Barnet’s handsome lead to 11 points.

Pearce broke the deadlock midway through the first period with a resourceful finish from Joe Felix’s cross, then turned provider as Richardson tucked home just after the hour mark.

Pearce did his job again at the back post with 21 minutes remaining as Dale’s resistance folded and Ryan Fallowfield capped a fine team move with York’s fourth goal against the play-off hopefuls seven minutes later.