CALLUM Camps’ late header saw Southend United slump to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Rochdale this afternoon.

The Shrimpers seemed set for a share of the spoils when John White cancelled out Jordan Williams’ opener.

But Camps effort, three minutes from time, saw Dale record their first victory at Roots Hall since 1985.

Rochdale came close to taking an early lead when Joe Rafferty sent a half-volley over the crossbar from close range.

But, with 23 minutes on the clock, the visitors broke the deadlock as Williams outmuscled Elvis Bwomono on Dale’s left flank before sprinting into the box and sending a low, left footed shot past Shrimpers goalkeeper Nathan Bishop who was making his first League Start between the sticks.

Blues replied with Theo Robinson having an effort blocked by the legs of visiting goalkeeper Brendan Moore and, in a bid to get back level, Shrimpers boss Chris Powell made his first change of the game at half-time with Shawn McCoulsky replacing Stephen McLaughlin.

At the start of the second half, Sam Mantom curled a free-kick straight at the custodian at the start of the second half before Simon Cox then saw his goalbound effort blocked by Rochdale defender Ryan Delaney.

Moments later, Cox sent a deflected effort straight at the keeper before McCoulsky fired a tame, left footed shot into the gloves of Moore.

The Shrimpers made a second change in the 67th minute with Isaac Hutchinson replacing Luke Hyam and, shortly after the alteration, Mantom saw a well struck shot tipped over by Moore.

Cox then saw his chipped cross back into the box hit the top of the crossbar before Hutchinson dragged a low, 20 yard shot wide of the right post.

With Blues still looking for an equaliser, Robinson then headed Hutchinson’s left wing cross wide of the right post but, in the 81st minute, the hosts drew back level when Mantom’s left wing corner was flicked on at the near post before White headed home from close range.

However, the Shrimpers were level for just six minutes as Dale bagged a late winner as Henderson’s cross from the left hand side was headed home by Camps.