Sheffield United have regained second spot in League One from local rivals Sheffield Wednesday after dispatching Rochdale at Spotland this evening.
Rockbottom Rochdale took an early lead via the head of Jason Kennedy but United hit back instantly thanks to Kevin McDonald who rifled in.
The visitors completed a quick comeback in the 22nd minute when top scorer Ched Evans found the net before the lead was extended to two goals by Lee Williamson who took advantage of some slack Dale defending.
Welshman Evans made it four with his 28th league goal of the campaign on the stroke of half time to compound the home side's misery.
After the break Michael Doyle put the game out of sight in the 57th minute by smashing home United's fifth from long range before Rochdale narrowed the deficit through Tope Obedayi.
The Blades almost made it six minutes later but full-back Matt Lowton saw his effort smash the crossbar.
Lowly Rochdale are now staring in the face of relegation to League Two, being 11 points from safety with only four games left of the season.
Pascal Lemesre
