Dale were soundly beaten on Tuesday night, losing 3-0 to play-off chasing Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Three first-half goals courtesy of a Lynden Gooch brace and an own goal from Eoghan O’Connell saw the home side take all three points.
Brian Barry-Murphy made two changes to the side which drew 1-1 on Saturday against Doncaster Rovers – Stephen Dooley replaced the injured Ollie Rathbone and O’Connell came in for Paul McShane.
The hosts went close with three minutes on the clock, Bailey Wright heading over from a corner.
Luke O’Nien then attacked down the right flank, before crossing for Gooch who stabbed just wide.
Gooch opened the scoring after another cross came in from the right-hand side, converting past the despairing Robert Sánchez.
Sunderland doubled their lead when a cross from O’Nien was diverted into his own net by O’Connell as he attempted to clear.
Gooch scored his second after O’Nien’s shot was saved by the feet of Sánchez, slotting home on the rebound.
O’Nien had an effort on goal which was blocked by O’Connell, Sánchez dealing with the ball at the second attempt.
In the second half, Gooch had an effort on goal from range, which was comfortable for Sánchez.
Jimmy Ryan nearly pulled one back for Dale when his powerful drive was parried by Jon McLaughlin.
Dale nearly scored a consolation through Ian Henderson who broke clear before his attempted lob landed on the roof of the net.
O’Nien almost made it four when he found space in the box on the right, his shot turned behind by Sánchez.
Barry-Murphy’s men are next in action on Saturday, as they host Tranmere Rovers at the Crown Oil Arena.
Ticket details for the match are available HERE.