JOHN Rogers’ first-half header at local rivals Littleton helped send Archdales 73 back to second place in Midland Combination Division One.

An entertaining match saw plenty of goalmouth action, with Dales wasting several clear openings.

Dan Harding-Hall and Lee Seldon headed wide from set-pieces for Dales, but they took the lead on 20 minutes when Rogers nodded home from a Cleaver cross.

The visitors had a glorious chance to double their lead when Rogers was fouled from behind in the penalty area in the 23rd minute.

With regular penalty taker Ashley Banner missing, leading scorer Seldon stepped up and saw his weak effort easily saved by the keeper.

After the interval, Dales had chances to increase their lead but failed to convert any.