Rochdale inflicted a fifth straight defeat upon Colchester thanks to goals from Matty Lund, Peter Vincenti, Ian Henderson and Jack O’Connell at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Dale manager Keith Hill is in a positive frame of mind as they continue their frenetic Christmas period against Colchester United on Saturday, buoyed by the availability of key figures as his side attempt to bounce back from a dip in form and return to the play-off spots.

Dale picked up an impressive point when drawing 2-2 at Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday but have been plagued by suspensions and injuries to key first team players in recent weeks.

Top-scorer Matty Done’s diving header gave Rochdale an early lead, but goals from Kyle Bennett, Theo Robinson and Curtis Main secured the three points for Doncaster in the League One clash.

Hill took a gamble with his starting line-up in Tuesday’s 5-2 defeat of Crewe Alexandra – sticking last season’s left-back Matty Done up front which raised eyebrows – however the makeshift forward responded emphatically with a hat-trick.