The Youth Team were beaten 2-1 at home to Port Vale in their opening EFL Youth Alliance League game.
Anisio Jesus and Jordan Scanlon both sent efforts over the crossbar either side of the break for Dale, before the visitors broke the deadlock.
A low cross from the right byline was met in the middle by a Vale forward, who turned it home from close range.
They doubled their lead shortly afterwards, winning the ball high up the pitch and firing home from the edge of the area.
Dale pulled a goal back when a free-kick from the right was diverted home by a Vale defender.
Both sides then exchanged efforts off target late on, with the visitors holding on for the win.
Dale XI | Kelly, Cunningham (40’ Ehimamiegho), Atkinson, Kyle, Sutton (80’ Smith), Kershaw, Mialkowski, Kyffin, Scanlon, Yaduat, Jesus.
Subs | Craven, Ehimamiegho, Bailey, Dunlop, Dos Santos, Smith.