DALE’S home form let them down again as they slipped to defeat in Vodkat League Premier Division.

Despite dominating proceedings, Dale were left to rue more dropped points at Dark Lane.

Stone opened up a 2-0 lead when James Curley in the 36th minute and Matthew Lowndes in the 54th minute scored with speculative efforts.

Dale eventually took one of their chances two minutes later when David Gray fired home.

But within five minutes, Stone were 3-1 up through a Curley header before Anthony Marshall made it 4-1. Aaron Swift volley home a late consolation for Dale.