Devante Rodney’s late strike helped Rochdale strengthen their play-off ambitions with a 2-1 victory at Altrincham on an emotional afternoon for the away side.

Tributes were paid to former Dale midfielder Joe Thompson following his death from cancer at the age of 36, with a minute’s applause held before the match while both teams wore black armbands.

And it was the visitors who took the lead after 20 minutes when Sam Beckwith found the bottom corner from 25 yards.

Tarryn Allarakhia curled an effort inches wide as the visitors threatened again, while an eventful end to the half saw Ian Henderson’s header smack the crossbar before the forward then tucked home Allarakhia’s pass, only for the offside flag to be raised.

Rochdale struck the woodwork again within minutes of the restart through Rodney, and Altrincham made the most of the let-off with Isaac Marriott pulling them level in the 58th minute.

However, it was the visitors who had the final say as Rodney fired Harvey Gilmour’s lay-off into the bottom corner a minute from time.