Football: Rochdale rapped by Rapley

BRENTFORD YESTERDAY went to the top of the Third Division with a 2-1 victory over Rochdale at Griffin Park. Darren Powell scored within 90 seconds, but the visitors were unfortunate not to earn their second away win of the campaign after Isidro Diaz's 17th-minute equaliser.

Rochdale enjoyed most of the possession in the second period but Kevin Rapley's 71st-minute goal sealed the game.

Plymouth Argyle leapfrogged over Halifax Town after their 1-0 win over the Shaymen at Home Park. Paul Gibbs' strike three minutes before half- time was sufficient.

Gustavo Di Lella dispatched Hull to their third defeat of the season with the only goal of the match at Hartlepool, sending the home side into fifth place.

Barnet jumped 11 places after their 2-0 victory at Shrewsbury. Goals from Billy Manuel and Ken Charlery lifted the club off the foot of the table. Scunthorpe moved up to sixth after defeating Swansea at Vetch Field. Julian Alsop had set up the home side for only their second win of the season but late goals from John Eyre (penalty) and Jamie Forrester turned the table.

Brighton moved into the top half of the table thanks to their regular goalscorers Jeff Minton and Gary Hart, who also scored on Saturday. Wayne Bullimore struck an 89th minute goal for Scarborough but it was too late.

Jimmy Quinn struck twice in two minutes in the first half for Peterborough to set up a 4-1 win over Exeter, who had taken the lead through Darren Rowbotham in the 19th minute at London Road. Leon McKenzie and Andy Edwards added the icing.

Darlington notched their first home win of the season in the 3-0 win over Cardiff. Darren Roberts scored twice and Jason De Vos sealed the points.