Rochdale`s play-off hopes were dealt a blow as Carlisle won 3-2 at Spotland.
Defeat for the home side, combined with Bournemouth's draw at Yeovil, left Keith Hill's men three points behind the Cherries with just three games remaining meaning the last game of the season at Dean Court could yet prove decisive.
Carlisle scored after 25 minutes when Tom Taiwo's cross found Craig Curran in the six-yard area. His glancing header beat Owain Fon Williams but hit the post and Marcus Holness was unable to divert the rebound wide as he sent the ball into his own net.
Rochdale equalised five minutes later when Nicky Adams' free-kick found Joe Thompson unmarked and he sent a firm header past Adam Collin. And the hosts were in front two minutes into the second half when Thompson's neat flick sent Matt Done racing towards goal and he kept his composure to send a side-footed shot wide of Adam Collin.
Carlisle's dogged determination reaped dividends with a stunning leveller from Liam Noble on the hour mark. The midfielder collected the ball 30 yards from goal and sent a rising shot in off the post.
The winner came four minutes later when Fon Williams failed to cut out Matty Robson's long-range free-kick and palmed the shot into his own net.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG