Callum Camps’ goal three minutes from time secured a magnificent 2-1 win against Southend United at Roots Hall.
Jordan Williams gave Dale the lead midway through the first-half with a powerful effort, but an equsliser from the hosts in the 82nd minute looked have earned them a point.
However, Camps stooped to nod home Ian Henderson’s cross at the back post, to seal Dale’s first win at Roots Hall in over 33 years.
There were four changes to the side that lined-up against Plymouth Argyle last weekend.
Brendan Moore, Daniel Adshead, Jordan Williams and Matty Gillam started in place of Josh Lillis, David Perkins, Bradden Inman and Calvin Andrew, respectively.
Dale had the better of the opportunities throughout the half, with the hosts limited to just a couple of notable shots on goal, with the first coming six minutes into the match when Theo Robinson struck over the bar.
Soon after, Ollie Rathbone hit wide of the post from the edge of the area, while Adshead drew a save from Nathan Bishop. His snap shot was pushed over the bar by the Shrimpers goalkeeper.
Joe Rafferty fired narrowly over the bar from an Ian Henderson ball to the back-post, before Dale deservedly opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through Williams. He skipped away from his marker and into the area, before finishing under the goalkeeper with a fierce effort.
Robinson had a rare sight on goal as he tried to loft the ball up and over Moore, but the goalkeeper was quick to react and get something on the shot to take the sting off it, allowing MJ Williams to clear away.
With four minutes of the half remaining, Ollie Rathbone played in Gillam with a delightful through ball and his shot troubled Bishop, resulting in the goalkeeper spilling it. And as Henderson attacked the follow up, finding the back of the net, it was ruled out for a free-kick that was harshly awarded to the ‘keeper.
HT | SOUTHEND UNITED 0-1 ROCHDALE
Southend started the second-half brightly, and there was a great block by Ryan Delaney to steer a Simon Cox effort away from goal, while half-time substitute Shawn McCoulsky got in at the near post only to hit his effort straight at Moore who obliged by holding comfortably.
Rafferty went for the far bottom corner with an effort across goal but his shot was blocked behind for a corner. A minute later, shortly before the hour mark, Manager Keith Hill made his first change of the match, and the right-back was replaced by Kgosi Ntlhe. A second followed soon after, with Rathbone making way for David Perkins.
In the 69th minute, Henderson charged down a backpass by Taylor Moore and nearly got to the ball, but Bishop slid out to deny him.
The hosts put Dale under sustained pressure, winning a string of corners, and it was from a corner they equalised.
Sam Mantom's corner was flicked on towards the back post and John White headed home to level proceedings.
Dale responded superbly well, though, and were back in front just five minutes later, when Camps nodded beyond Bishop to regain the lead.
Henderson received a lay off from Adshead, before clipping a lofted ball to the back post where Camps stooped to head home in front of the 111 jubilant Dale fans.
Keith Hill’s men were comfortable in seeing out the game, which included four minutes of added time, to secure a fantastic three points and a memorable away victory.