The Youth Team were beaten 2-1 at Preston North End in the EFL Youth Alliance League on Saturday.
Preston broke the deadlock early on when Noah Mawene turned home from close range, before the hosts doubled their lead through Joe Rodwell-Grant’s penalty.
Dale pulled a goal back before the break when Kacper Mialkowski’s inswinging corner took a couple of ricochets at the back post, before being inadvertently turned over the line by a Preston defender.
Jadel Yaduat saw an effort from 20-yards well saved in the second-half, before Darren Ehimamiegho fired into the side netting after a powerful run forward.
However, Dale weren’t able to find a late equalising goal.