Fighting for their third division lives Rochdale eased their problems with three goals and an emphatic win. But in their 12th match without a win Leyton Orient are heading for the drop zone.
The O's put in an ineffectual display against a side which had plenty of enthusiasm and a goalscorer who made his presence felt in Grant Holt.
Holt headed home after 22 minutes. It was a corner kick taken by veteran Neil Redfearn which was defended back towards the corner flag to give Redfearn a second bite of the cherry. This time he did better with a cross over the defence to Holt who was waiting near the far post to head home.
Holt made it two after 57 minutes. He had been floored near the halfway line and Rochdale got a free kick. Holt got up in time to meet Greg Heald's free kick and turn it into the corner of the net past the clutching goalkeeper Lee Harrison.
And that was it as far as Orient were concerned. But just after half time Warren Hunt had a chance to pull one back. Unmarked and with only the goalkeeper to beat, he tried to lob the ball over the advancing Edwards. But Edwards got first to his lob and saved at the expense of a corner.
Hunt had a few chances to score for Orient and the lively midfielder almost made it once or twice, but he was foiled by Edwards.
With the seconds running out Rochdale got their third as substitute Patrick McCourt turning his way along the edge of the penalty area before turning in with a right foot shot into the corner of the net past the diving Harrison.
This does not lift Rochdale out of trouble but it is going to be a good help for them as they try to get away from the misery zone of the third division.