The Youth Team ran out 5-2 winners over table-topping Fleetwood Town in the EFL Youth Alliance League on Saturday.
Dale made a superb start to the game, taking the lead inside the opening two minutes when Joe Wright converted from close range following Louie Chorlton's well saved effort.
Peter Thomas doubled the lead in the tenth minute, getting behind the defence and firing clinically past the goalkeeper.
Thomas added his second six minutes later, rolling his marker in the area and smashing home for Dale's third.
Luke Nock missed an opportunity to add a fourth from the penalty spot midway through the half, but Wright did extend the lead further before the break, turning home Thomas' cross.
The hosts pulled one back before the break through a spot kick, but Dale restored the four-goal cushion just after the hour mark when Jordan Scanlon blasted home.
Fleetwood were reduced to ten men shortly afterwards and although they pulled a goal back in the final ten minutes, Dale ran out dominant winners.
The result means Dale move up to third position, five points behind Fleetwood who remain top, but with a game in hand on the Cod Army.
Dale XI | Chalton, D'Souza, Kershaw, Kinsella, Nock (c), Chorlton, Clarkson, Thomas, Scanlon, Wright, Pye.
Subs | Kelly, Caldwell, Kyffin, Mialkowski, Jesus, Cullen.