Fleetwood boss Joey Barton left reeling from painful blow at Rochdale

Fleetwood defender Morgan Boyes clears his lines at Rochdale

Rochdale 2 Fleetwood Town 1: First win for Dale adds to Town problems

Barton's side lost 2-1 to teenage substitute Fabio Tavares' last-minute strike at the Crown Oil Arena, just when it was looking as though Harvey Saunders' predatory strike 13 minutes before the end had earned a point.

It's now three straight League One defeats for the Cod Army, who were beaten by two goals in stoppage-time in their previous away fixture at Peterborough United a fortnight earlier.

Barton said: "It felt like a kick in the proverbials because I thought there was only one team looking likely to go on and win the game, certainly on the balance of play in the second half.

"You've got to keep that back door closed, though. It's really disappointing to lose in that manner but that's football and credit to Rochdale.

"They defended admirably in the second half to stay in the contest, and then with their boy's (Matty Done) quality in working a shooting angle, the ball bobbled in front of Alex (goalkeeper Cairns) and their lad put it in. Disappointed, yes, and now it's back to the drawing board.

"We need reinforcements and I have been crying out for them for six or eight weeks now.

"When we do get them, we can field our strongest team.

"At least it was a good, valuable learning experience for some of our younger players before the transfer window closes."