Barnet thrash Rochdale to extend lead at top of Vanarama National League

Barnet strengthened their grip on the Vanarama National League title race with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Rochdale at Crown Oil Arena.

First-half efforts from Callum Stead and Rhys Browne put Barnet in control before Dom Telford and Ryan Glover struck after the interval as the league leaders took full advantage of Forest Green and York both dropping points on Saturday.

The Bees, who had moved seven points clear with a 3-1 win over second-placed York in midweek, took just four minutes to take the lead as Stead slotted home his 11th league goal of the season after claiming possession inside the Dale area.

Toby Savin kept the visitors ahead with a good save from Ryan East before Barnet doubled their lead just before half-time through Browne.

Telford replaced Lindokuhle Ndlovu at the break and it took the replacement striker just six minutes to make his mark, heading home a free-kick to make it 3-0.

Barnet added a fourth goal late on when Glover fired past Sam Waller to complete the scoring as Dean Brennan’s pacesetters, who are unbeaten in the league since October, claimed their seventh win in their last eight matches.