UNITED gained a much-needed fillip with a trio of second half goals bringing a full points haul from their long trip to Staffordshire.

Frontrunners Danny Heys, Craig Sargeson, Jim McCluskie all showed up well as the Dark Lane men dominated a goalless first half after some good work from Andy Grimshaw.

Sargeson hit a post with a header from a Heys cross as the visitors continued to control the second period.

Dale's first goal on 59 minutes was well worth waiting for - young Sargeson picked up the ball 40 yards out, cut inside, before finally tucking it into the bottom corner.

A super strike from John Borland doubled United's goal tally from similar range, and Jim McCluskie got his head to a cross to make it three, before suffering what look a serious injury.

Man-of-the-match Heys tormented Leek all afternoon and was undoubtedly the star of what was a comprehensive team performance from Micky Graham's men.

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