Dale grabbed a deserved three points at play-off chasing Rotherham United, with Aaron Morley’s long-range strike enough to claim victory at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Morley notched his third league goal of the season which helped Brian Barry-Murphy’s men on their way to their first win away from home since October.
Dale started brightly and went close when Rhys Norrington-Davies got on the end of Matty Done’s set-piece before laying the ball of for Jimmy Keohane, whose shot was blocked.
Rotherham had a chance of their own when Matt Crooks met a Joe Mattock cross, heading off the post, before the follow-up was scrambled away to safety.
Rekeil Pyke threatened down the left, crossing the ball in for Callum Camps who couldn’t quite get the ball under his spell, resulting in a goal kick.
Pyke did well once more, this time his cut back found Ian Henderson who scuffed his shot into the hands of Daniel Iversen.
Chiedozie Ogbene beat Jimmy Keohane on the right-hand side before shooting tamely down the throat of Robert Sánchez.
Then, some excellent build-up play from Dale saw Luke Matheson find Camps on the edge of the area, who dummied the ball expertly for Aaron Morley who unleashed a thunderous strike into the top left corner.
Into the second half, Carlton Morris found space down Dale’s left, before fizzing the ball across goal, however, no Millers’ player was there to finish.
Ogbene threatened again down the right, before cutting the ball back for Crooks who side-footed wide.
Crooks got on the end of Mattock’s cross, flicking on to Ogbene whose header was well saved by Sánchez.
Second-half substitute Jake Hastie showed quick feet down the left, before curling an effort at goal, which was grateful held by Sánchez.
Done nearly grabbed a second for Dale, when his fierce effort sailed just wide of Iversen’s goal.
Camps then had a shot tipped over by the Danish stopper, following a free-kick.
From the resulting corner, Eoghan O’Connell almost sealed the victory for Dale but it was cleared behind by a Rotherham defender.
Dale held out for all three points to send the 262 travelling fans home happy.
Brian Barry-Murphy’s men are next in action when they travel to Boston United, in the Emirates FA Cup second round replay, with ticket details available HERE.