With Town unable to create a single decent opportunity all game, Tahvon Campbell's second-half goal was enough to clinch three points. Here are our player ratings...
9. Mitch Pinnock
Dale did an effective job of minimising his influence on proceedings. Saw little of the ball in open play and Cobblers didn't win anywhere near enough set-pieces for him to do his thing... 5
10. Sam Hoskins
Was on the periphery of the game throughout as Cobblers were completely shackled in attack. Ended the afternoon at right-back... 4.5
11. Josh Eppiah
There were flashes of his quality but he was too isolated and lacked support, making it easy for Dale to defend against him. Cobblers particularly seemed to struggle to come up with an answer to counter the home side's high defensive line... 5.5
12. Louis Appere
He was a willing runner as a second-half substitute but again it's hard to pin too much blame on the strikes when the service into them is virtually non-existent... 5.5