Dale’s Integration Squad were beaten 4-1 by Huddersfield Town in the final group match of the Central League Cup.
Toby Phillips’ late strike was not enough to spark a comeback, as a youthful Dale side exit the competition after two wins and two defeats.
Neither side were able to gain a foothold in the match early on, both battling for possession for the opening 15 minutes, before the host’s grabbed the lead.
Jaheim Headley’s cross from the left was met by the head of Kian Harratt who grabbed his first of the afternoon.
Aaron Rowe looked deadly all evening, with the former Boston United loanee showing his skills down the right wing. After beating his man from the right, his cutback found Captain Scott High, though his effort was too high.
The second came just before the interval. High’s pass inside found Harratt to grab a brace on 41 minutes.
Dale made three changes at the break, with the returning Jim McNulty making way after 45 minutes of fitness build-up.
Rowe was able to create multiple chances on 51 minutes and as the first was blocked back to the tricky winger, his second attempt flew wide of the mark.
Josh Austerfield showed quick feet around the area, allowing him to pick out Micah Obiero who struck under Morgan Piper for a third.
The fourth came minutes later. Rowe beat three men on the right and bust into the area, firing across goal for Romoney Crichlow-Noble to tap in on the line.
Kwadwo Baah was set up well by Fabio Tavares with 20 minutes to go, firing a powerful effort on goal, with ‘keeper Giosue Bellagambi able to parry away.
Dale’s consolation came six minutes before time. Phillips received the ball outside the area and fired through the crowd to grab one back, though it was too late to spark any real danger.