Burton Albion lead Rochdale at the break courtesy of Zeli Ismail's goal.

The first chance of the game fell to Dale striker Scott Hogan, who managed to work space on the left-hand side of the box before firing a shot at goal that was saved by Rob Lainton.

Albion came close minutes later through Phil Edwards, but the defender's shot at a loose ball in the opposition box shaved the bar on its way over.

The Brewers took the lead on the 34-minute mark after Ian Sharps header was not fully cleared, leaving Ismail to squeeze the ball in at the near post.

Matt Palmer had a penalty shout for the visitors before the interval. However the referee waved play on, to the dismay of the midfielder, as the first half drew to a close.