The Youth Team were narrowly beaten 3-2 by Morecambe in their league opener on Saturday.
Dale took the lead midway through the first-half through Liam Anderson. A Dale corner was nodded goalwards by George Nevett and saved by the home goalkeeper. Kevin Dos Santos’ follow up was blocked on the line, before Anderson slammed home from close range.
The hosts equalised six minutes before the break, when Mani Davidson turned home a cross from the left at the back post.
They then took the lead 11 minutes after the interval as Matty Williams finished a one-on-one chance following a through ball.
Callum Sandle doubled Morecambe’s lead midway through the second period with a stunning backheel flick from 12-yards, converting a cross from the left.
Oscar Kelly pulled one back for Dale in added time, starting a move from inside his own half before receiving a pass inside the area, flicking the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper, and nodding home from a couple of yards out.
However, it was too late for Dale to grab an equaliser, as they open their league campaign with a defeat.
Dale XI | Craven, Cunningham, Watts, Nevett, Sutton, Dos Santos, Dunlop, Mandey, Anderson, Ehimamiegho, Kelly.
Subs | Bailey, Pozzoni, Edwards, Ayub, Kyle, Clift.