Dale were on the wrong end of a nine-goal thriller on Saturday, losing out to Carlisle United 6-3.
Goals from Adam Cullen, Morgan Moreland and Louie Chorlton weren’t enough for Dale, who couldn’t keep the visitors at bay in the second half.
The first chance fell to Dale following a corner, Luke Nock firing over after the ball found its way to him at the edge of the area.
Dale then took the lead when Joe Wright went on a driving run before teeing up Cullen, who finished beyond the Carlisle ‘keeper.
The goal-scorer nearly turned provider when his through ball sent Wright one-on-one, but his shot was well over the bar.
Carlisle equalised shortly after, the ball falling to Jamie Armstrong 20-yards from goal, who fired a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
Morgan Moreland found himself with a great chance to restore Dale’s lead when he was found ten-yards from goal, but a Carlisle defender did just enough to prevent him from scoring.
Taylor Charters was the next to go close for the away side with numerous chances, before finally converting to put Carlisle ahead 2-1.
Armstrong did well down the right-hand side before cutting the ball back to Charters who couldn’t miss.
Shortly before the interval, Moreland got Dale back on level terms when he showed great composure before finishing low into the bottom right corner.
Into the second half, it was Carlisle who regained the lead, after Charters’ shot was spilled by Dale ‘keeper Ben Chalton, substitute Ethan Henderson was on hand to head home to put the visitors back in front.
Carlisle went further ahead soon after, when Armstrong found himself ten yards from goal. His cut-back found Charters who helped himself to his second of the match.
Charters then sealed his hat-trick, with a powerful drive from 25-yards for a 5-2 lead.
Dale got one back when second-half substitute Louie Chorlton produced a fine finish after being played through on goal, though only a consolation.
Despite their best efforts, it was Carlisle who would get the next goal and put the game to bed, Armstrong finishing well after Dale lost the ball in midfield.