Shane Gore: 8.5 – Stand-in keeper started shakily but grew into the game. Made some fine saves and couldn't be faulted for the goals.

Keith Keane: 7.5 – Made a real difference. Won plenty in midfield until being forced off at half time.

Alan White: 7.5 – Won plenty in the air and was a rock in the heart of Hatters' defence.

George Pilkington: 7 – Wasted at right-back and struggled when moved into the centre of Town's midfield.

Adam Newton: 7 – Scored a great goal but faded as Luton came under the cosh.

Andy Burgess: 7 – Started so well and was at the heart everything early on, but faded badly.

Shane Blackett: 7 – In the thick of the action for the Hatters, but couldn't hold out under Dale's barrage.

Claude Gnakpa: 6 – Played so well for most of the game, but had nothing left at the end and was a virtual passenger for much of the second half.

Steve Basham: 8 – His best game for the club by a mile. Energetic and deadly in front of goal.

Kevin Gallen: 6 – One of Luton's least effective performers and didn't have the legs to chase the visitors down in the closing stages.

Freddie Murray: 6.5 – Competent all-round show but didn't have the impact he would have liked.

Jake Howells (sub): 5.5 – Ineffective on the left and couldn't help the Hatters climb off the ropes.

Tom Craddock (sub): 6.5 – Lively and full of running, but should have scored to close the game out.