Liam Sercombe grabbed a 71st-minute winner as National League leaders Forest Green claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rochdale at The New Lawn.

Sercombe darted into the area to nod home after a long Ben Tozer throw-in – the second in quick succession to cause trouble in the Rochdale box – was flicked on by Ryan Inniss.

Rochdale had gone close in the first half with Kairo Mitchell hitting the post and Devante Rodney forcing Jed Ward to save with his legs.

The visitors also pressed for a late equaliser but were denied a penalty after appealing for handball against Harvey Bunker.